Learning and Grades

I have been a "professional educator" for 18 years. The 16 years prior, I was on the student side of things. Besides showing that I'm just plain old, those years have caused me to view many staples of the "educational process" differently than I used to.

I have had many discussions with parents, neighbors, and kids about grades over the years. While I still don't feel I have the "right" answer, I know my views on this subject have changed. My sons are now 15, 13, and 9 years old. As they travel through the education system, I continue to change my views on grades.

As an example:
A doctor, carpenter, and teacher all work hard and rightfully expect to be compensated for their time in pay. They need it to survive, and their families count on it. But, do I want my surgeon to be in it just for the check? Or do I want someone whose life mission is to save lives and improve quality of life? Do I want the carpenter building my house to only be interested in a check or to also take pride in doing a quality, long lasting job? Do I want my son's teacher to focus solely on fulfilling requirements, or to get to know and care about my child?

Are grades necessary? They certainly do give a running record of students meeting the requirements of school. In later years, they will allow our students options for which colleges they can attend and which fields they can study -- choices.

What we need to do, though, is continue to look for ways that grades can also measure student learning besides quizzes and tests. Sure the paycheck... er grade matters, but I want my kids to also learn, understand the processes for learning, and to be participants in their education. I am confident almost all parents want the same.

At GKMS we will continue to strive towards improvement in engaging students in the learning process and measure their "grades" by using additional methods that will reflect more than simply mastering the "process" of school. Not a small task, but we are getting better. Below are the honor roll numbers for the first quarter. Many students are taking a part in their education, and it is beginning to show that we are measuring more than the simple, basic requirements of school.

Whole School High and Regular Honors - 76%
Whole School High Honors - 29%

6th Grade High and Regular Honors - 74%
6th Grade High Honors - 24%

7th Grade High and Regular Honors - 80%
7th Grade High Honors - 34%

8th Grade High and Regular Honors - 73%
8th Grade High Honors - 29%