“Though you never gave us homework, this was one of the only classes I took home every night.”

143 kids selected their midterm grades yesterday. And, today, the world has not come to an end. The gears are spinning. The wheels are rolling. And in a short few hours, I expect the sun to peek out over the horizon.

Did they all choose A’s? Nope.

Did some select higher than the evidence might suggest at this point? Yep.

Did some select lower than the evidence might suggest at this point? Yep.

Did they all have a chance to put a finger on, to shed some light on their learning? Yep.

And did they put a finger, did they shed light? I don’t know.

But here are two light-shedding efforts that resonated with me.

Were all the reflections as gratifying as these? Nope.

Some were downright disappointing. But what should I expect from kids who have never had a chance to articulate their learning? How does one explain a “B?” I mean really explain. Could a roomful of teachers come up with a compelling confirmation of what one really represents? And percentages are neither compelling nor trustworthy. “It’s an 84” fails to tell a compelling tale. And the various distinctions between and among the “80’s” are more arbitrary than nuanced, so little trust can be placed in such “exactitude.”

143. 143 kids had a chance to speak yesterday. I gave them voice. I gave them choice. In their learning. Big risk? Nah. It’s midterm. Grades don’t really count at this checkpoint. But a risk? Maybe.

But I–we–can’t change without. I was not convinced that traditional grading methods  supported learning, so I changed. I set out to find better. Am I there yet? Can one ever stop getting better? I aim to find out.

At term, the standard will be higher, as the kids and I will come to the table around their compiled evidence, seeking to come to an agreement on what grade most fairly represents their learning. And we will keep at it until we find that place on the horizon where together we find the light on their learning.

“I’ve done my best, and I’m learning from my mistakes and am improving.”

Today’s Trail

Along today’s trail we will experience…

…connecting through Smiles and Frowns.

…writing to elaborate.

…reflecting in our Journey Journals.

…hearing a Sappy Sy Rhyme.

Happy Tuesday, all.

Do. Reflect. Do Better.