Repair Kit for Grading - Fix 12

Fix 12: Don't include zeros in grade determination when evidence is missing or as punishment; use alternatives, such as reassessing to determine real achievement, or use "I" for incomplete or insufficient evidence.

The case for the zero can be a highly debated issue in schools.  We often hear, "the student didn't turn the assignment in, therefore it is a zero".  Or, "putting a zero in the grade book creates a sense of urgency."  The problem with the zero, however, is that research has shown it can actually have counterproductive effects on student motivation and it involves inappropriate mathematics.

For instance, the typical grading scale would be:

• A=100-90
• B=89-80
• C=79-70
• D=69-60
• F=59 and below

There are 11 points in the A range, and 10 in the B,C,&D ranges, and 60 points in the F range.  Douglas Reeves points out this exact flaw in grading in his article The Case Against the Zero.  The answer to this flawed system is a 5-point scale instead of the 100 point scale.  This will accurately and evenly weight the zero against all other grades.

Another fix is to not give students a zero for work not turned in, but rather an "I" for incomplete.  The theory is outlined in the book Power of ICU by Danny Hill and Dr. Jayson Nave.  Giving students incomplete grades and making them do the work may be a little more of a hassle, but in the end will more accurately reflect the grade the student has received.