The teacher in Stevenson with the “Wheel of Fortune” discipline system appears to have confused classroom assessment and classroom management. As reported in the Oct. 11 article “Stevenson teacher’s methods under fire: Cellphone videos lead to parent’s complaint over disciplinary approach,” one of the discipline procedures was for the student to receive an “F” grade on the next test.
An academic test or assignment is an opportunity for the student to demonstrate learning of the lesson goal or the unit goal. An academic grade is an indication of the quantity and quality of such learning, scored against the prearranged rubric. An academic grade should be unencumbered by any consideration other than the learning that has (or has not) taken place.
A true “F” grade is an indication that the student attempted the test or assignment, but regrettably there was no evidence that learning had occurred. The “Wheel of Fortune” “F” grade is not a true “F,” as there is no opportunity to demonstrate learning. Not only is this attempt at classroom management extremely punitive, it also invalidates the teacher’s entire grading system.
Claire Smith
Vancouver
