At some point in the first few days, we have to communicate our grading policies/practices. It’s the business end of the deal.

In my room, I conduct business a little differently. As my longtime readers know, I am no fan of grades. I believe they get in the way of learning, so I have worked diligently over the past three years with Project 180 to arrive at a place where I could provide a feedback-only approach to learning. And on this fourth year, I believe I have gotten closer to this desired end. Here’s how I will approach learning this year in room 206. This is only a ready-to-share draft. There will no doubt be some changes between now and when we start. In fact, I have asked my son, who will be in my class this year, to take a look and give me some feedback later today, but here’s my “now” draft.

As I made this, I came to the decision to no longer call it “grading policies.” I will present it as “learning practices” for that’s where I want the emphasis: learning. It is not perfect, but I do believe it’s better–for me and the experiences I want for my kids, not better than others. I just keep chasing my better. And this is simply my latest better.

A note on “no F’s.” I have many reasons for why I don’t fail kids. But this is my main reason.

“Since I can’t possibly meet all kids’ needs, how do I know it is not I who failed?”

Once we–I–arrive at this place in education (meeting all needs), I will no longer fail kids. Maybe not a popular notion, but it’s an honest one.

Do. Reflect. Do Better.