Letters to the Editor

Grading system misses mark

Mar 27, 2008 3:40 PM

To the Editor:

The academic propensity for looking good, as opposed to being good, should be viewed as endemic to the excessive vanity of our pedagogic times. In an effort to get a favorable grade, schools, subjected to a “quality review,” will go to any lengths in order to satisfy the perceived whims of the assessors. This often translates into new display cases, fresh bulletin boards and carefully orchestrated lessons.

This kowtowing for a positive grade might make political (and perhaps economic) sense, but it sends a dispiriting message to the sincere and dedicated practitioners of daily academic excellence. Any preparation for assessment visitations ultimately undermines the pride, the self-confidence and the self-respect that the majority of teachers bring to the classroom every day.

Teachers and administrators need to stand up with confidence, pride and humility. The “quality review” team should see schools as they are; visits should be prudently random, not predetermined. Most importantly, the assessment feedback should be reasonable and fair with the sole purpose of improving teaching and learning. The antiquated numerical grading system doesn’t serve this end.

Larry Hoffner, LaGuardia HS