Assessing Chapter 12

Reflection on Reading

Name: Tyler Duran, Sam Brisette, Rebecca McIntire, Ryan Michaud
Date: 11-09-2007
Book Title: Fair Isn’t Always Equal
Chapter: Twelve

Write a brief abstract of the chapter.
Chapter twelve started off by outlining the two most common grading systems in the secondary classroom: the 4 point and 100 point scales. It then went on to suggest that the 4 point scale was better because of its magnitude (or lack thereof). That is, because the grading scale is smaller it will have a higher rate of inter-reliability, or use across classrooms and school districts. It went on to correspond the grades of a 100 point scale and their 4 point equivalents, and then exemplified the problems with 100 point scales: the vary across schools districts. It then goes on to emphasize, however, that the 4 point scale does not, and should not, be used to equate an equivalent letter grade at the end.

How did you connect to the reading and briefly reflect on your thoughts?
Probably because of its shortness the entire chapter seemed to be an “ah-ha” moment. It also helped that the chapter was focused around two central grading systems, and compared the two. I agree that the 4 point system is better because it is easier to implement, is inter-relatable, and has less variance than a 100 point scale. More importantly, it is a lot more “rubric friendly,” which is essential in letting students know what is expected of them in order to guide them in fulfilling their potential as a learner