Concerns Regarding CVUSD Grading Reforms

I have dedicated a large portion of my life to the students of this school district and it is from this dedication that I feel obligated to voice my concerns regarding the grading reforms this school district is forcing upon us.

The district hired a consultant to provide the foundational need for these reforms. I am appalled that this district would place so much funding into a consultant who has a paltry three years to his name in actual classroom experience. Even worse is the fact that those years occurred back in the 1990’s. I teach my students to make sure that their sources are relevant. This “source” is most certainly not.

I do not hold myself out as an expert, but I am quite convinced that my experience with this district over the past 21 years in and around classrooms on a daily basis provides me with a better foundational understanding on relevant grading practices than this overpaid “expert” who is not a teacher and has not been one for decades.

I disagree with “giving” 50% even if the student has done absolutely nothing. I do not feel this is punishment, nor do I feel teachers are being malicious or “vengeful” as accused by the consultant in his CVUSD Teacher Workshop material. Teachers do not give grades, the students earn grades by their hard work or lack thereof.

Finally, I love teaching with all my heart and soul. I truly believe that it is my calling but I am troubled. I wonder how I will be able to continue my chosen profession with all the “expert” opinions from those who are not teachers dictating my grading process. It is the responsibility of the board to reconsider the decision to implement these grading policies and to do so with due regard for the positions and qualifications of the teachers directly involved.

–Erin Cook, CVHS Teacher