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Homeschooling & Grades
by Cheryl Demas
Like everything else in homeschooling, the subject of grades
seems to have as many variations as there are people who homeschool:
from those who choose to eliminate grades entirely, to those
who give A’s arbitrarily and everything in between.
I know of families who simulate a classroom environment, giving
quizzes, tests and grading on a strict 90%=A, 80%=B, etc. formula.
Others are less strict but still favor more traditional approaches
to grading.
For those of you who are unschooling, or are anxious to give
up grades all together, you will find many advocates of your
choice. Many homeschooling parents find it comforting to read
about the success of others who have chosen this route. There
are several good unschooling books, including "Deschooling
Our Lives" edited by Matt Hern and the classic "Homeschooling
for Excellence" by David and Micki Colfax.
For us, we’ve decided to make a contract at the beginning of
the year, mutually deciding on the level of work required to
earn an A in each of my daughter’s subjects.
Then we use one of the suggestions of author Alfie Kohn, from
his book "Punished by Rewards." He suggests: "Reduce
the number of possible grades to two: A and incomplete. The
theory here is that any work that does not merit an A isn’t
finished yet. Anyone concerned about educational excellence
should adopt this suggestion enthusiastically because its premise
is that students should be doing their very best."
We’ve found this to be an especially useful recommendation
for us. After all, one of the advantages we have over traditional
schooling, is time. We aren’t held to rigid grading periods
and semesters. If it takes longer to master a subject, we devote
the time needed. Our goal after all, is to learn the subjects,
not just get through the material. Actually, I recommend the
"Punished by Rewards" book to everyone. It’s challenging
and thought provoking and especially relevant to anyone who
homeschools.
So whatever method you choose, you will find many others who
share your grading philosopohy. Read the available literature
and find the philosophy that meets your needs, and works best
for you and your family.
Cheryl is the founder and publisher of WAHM.com. She lives
and works at her home in California with her husband and two
daughters. She is also the author of It's
a Jungle Out There and a Zoo in Here and The
Work-at-Home Mom's Guide to Home Business.
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