OH "It is impossible to get a 4"

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Students say insightful things, if we listen.

The most recent summative assessment was given prior to winter break. The days leading up to it saw students seeking understanding with questions about the content. Several came for help during FLEX, which is a half hour period at the end of the day built for remediation, making up work, find answers to questions, free reading and other activities

At the beginning of the session, one of the students uttered the phrase, "It is impossible to get a 4."

We went about the business of answering questions related to transport of materials in and out of a cell. Chunk of whiteboard and markers in hand, my students and I discussed how and why and where and the importance of transporting things across and through the membrane.

I asked the student what he meant. His response was something to the effect, "You expect so much from us to get a four."

As the day ended and students left, I reflected on those student thoughts....and came to "cool." Currently, the gradebook in our district has to be converted to a letter grade. That is not what I want, since it reflects the old traditional notion that "grades are compensation."

What about the picture above.

Looking back at my gradebook from the past year and a half, I have in fact given fewer A's than previously. I don't doubt that my grades in my career have been inflated and not an accurate representation of what students know or can demonstrate. Now that grades communicate learning against the Minnesota Science Standards, the bloat-ation has been removed.

So, yeah, it is hard to get a four. Students get to four, but with effort and mastery of content.

They recognize that, which is even better.