Impact of fair grading practices on academic expectations

Dive Brief:

• Equitable grading policies can contribute to grade inflation without improving learning outcomes, per a report from the Thomas B. Fordham Institute.
• Some grading reforms may have merit, but practices like “no-zero” mandates and homework bans could lower expectations and accountability for students.
• School systems explore reforms for fairer grading, with the report suggesting a blend of traditional and equity-focused changes to boost academic rigor and address biases.

Dive Insight:

Addressing grading disparities is crucial, but implementing policies that reduce expectations for students might not be the solution, says Meredith Coffey, co-author of the Fordham report.

Coffey warns against top-down policies that limit teacher discretion, as they could harm students rather than help them academically.

New grading policies like no-zeros and homework bans may cause confusion among stakeholders, hampering efforts to tackle learning gaps.

Research backs consequences for academic performance, suggesting lenient grading reforms may not benefit students in the long term, the report emphasizes.

Recent studies show an uptick in high school GPAs, raising concerns about the impact of grading reforms on academic standards.

The push for equitable grading gained traction in the 2000s, with the COVID-19 pandemic prompting additional discussions around grading practices.

To maintain academic rigor, educators should uphold high standards and balance grading flexibility with maintaining expectations.

• Maintain high expectations by supporting educators in holding students to rigorous standards and addressing grade inflation.
• Be flexible in grading approaches while avoiding reforms that could lower educational standards.
• Adopt a blend of traditional and equity-focused reforms to strengthen academic courses and combat grading biases.