As an 8th grade math teacher currently wrapping up grading for marking period three, I wondered what fellow Hubskiers felt about “No Zero Policies” in k-12 grading. My school district’s current expectation is that all assessment scores (tests & quizzes) bottom out at 50%.

To me, the whole idea of students earning 50% without demonstrating at least 50% mastery is undercutting their confidence in their ability. To me, the action of giving 50% credit, even if a student never turns in anything tells them they cannot do half of this stuff without my help even.

Assessments drive instruction. Having given you 50% for nothing masks half of any difficulties you are having with the content. Why would I want to start teaching you with only half of the story?

50% for zeroes is a misguided and harmful strategy.

Your thoughts, Hubski?