Read Case Study b8 School Improvement Through Better Grading Practices on pages 51-54 in the attached Kowlaski textbook and answer questions 1-11 on pages 55.
Problem Framing
- Assume you are Principal Johnson. First determine the main issue (problem) in this case. Then describe the current state and the desired state of this issue. (The sec-tion on problem framing in the Introduction section of this book defines the problem framing process.)
- Based on evidence provided in the case, describe the dif-ficulty associated with eliminating the gap between the present state and desired state.
Questions and Suggested Activities - Share and critique the problem statements prepared by students in your class.
- Do you believe that the teachers' fears of grade inflation are warranted? Why or why not?
- Do you believe that the minimum grading policy pro-posed by the principal is fair? Why or why not?
- What are the advantages and disadvantages of mandat-ing the proposed concept regardless of teacher support?
- Based on your knowledge of teaching and your experience as a teacher, do you agree that low scores in the early stages of a course reduce student motivation substantially? What evidence do you have to support your conclusion?
- Evaluate the information the ad hoc committee received from the four principals using a minimum grading rule. If you were a teacher at Tucker High School, would you consider the information to help or hinder the princi-pal's effort to implement the concept?
- How do you evaluate the superintendent's position that she is relegating the decision to the principal?
- The superintendent realizes that she gambled in hiring a young and relatively inexperienced principal for a very difficult assignment. Should she have allowed him to propose the controversial grading concept so early in his tenure? Why or why not?
- If you were Principal Johnson, how would you interpret the superintendent's warning that political problems are likely to surface if the program is mandated?
- What effect, if any, is the minimum-grading rule likely to have on student performance on the state-mandated high school graduation test?
- Do you agree or disagree with the contention that there is a discernible nexus between academic success and student behavior? What evidence do you have to sup-port your position?
Sample Solution