Grade inflation soared when learning went remote, writes Amber Northern. Lax requirements to turn in work, fewer graded assignments, and — most perniciously — policies mandating 'no zeros' or 'no failing grades' were adopted (or accelerated) to lighten the load of young people whose worlds had been turned upside down."
English and science grades have returned to pre-pandemic levels, but math grades remain much higher, concludes a new study of Washington state schools. The "misalignment between grades and achievement in Algebra 1," a gateway to higher math, is alarming, researchers warned.
"It’s a huge problem when students who earn top grades fail to demonstrate mastery of key skills and knowledge on a state test," writes Northern. "There’s growing alarm that an extended hiatus from grade-based accountability is a surefire way to “lock in” pandemic learning loss for the long term."
Comments