While the idea of doing away with letter grades has been associated with progressive private schools, more public schools are trying it out. WBEZ checked in with one school district in the Chicago suburbs to see how it works.
Robert Daniels wanted his kids to attend Winnetka public schools because of its progressive education. From left to right, Taylor Daniels, Emma Daniels, Carter Daniels and Robert Daniels.Getting a report card with letter grades A-to-F is such an ingrained part of American schooling it's hard for many people to imagine school without it. But at the same time, schools are increasingly looking for ways to focus school more on learning — and not on simply getting an A.
Barry Rodgers is the director of innovation, teaching and learning for the district. He says the A to F system doesn't necessarily give a clear picture of how well a student is learning. He experienced this himself when he started off as a science teacher under the traditional grading model. Rodgers sometimes felt conflicted when grading his students because it could feel like a game of points."You knew you're giving that student a C," Rodgers said.
Out in west suburban Elmwood Park, schools are preparing to do away with letter grades. Leah Gauthier, director for curriculum and instruction with Elmwood Park District 401, said they've learned from other districts.The district is doing a pilot in some classrooms this year, and plans to do a full rollout for kindergarten to 5th grade next year.
Olson said it's not just about dropping the letters. It's about putting the emphasis on learning. For example, if a student is still struggling with fractions by the end of the math chapter, that doesn't mean failure.
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