An odd and controversial book that our daughter has to read for 11th grade English...

[MissB]

33. Newest thing

Different states are implementing it now or soon. For example, in Grade 9 English, the kids get a chart (rubrics) that they have to be aware of when writing an essay on a book. Their score is determined by how closely they hew to each part of the rubric chart. Non fiction books are supposed to be a part of the common core, presumably because Bill Gates finds it frustrating that folks don't find technical manuals as enjoyable as actual literature.

I've found that our English teachers are doing fine with the new grading technique and it provides the kids clear guidance. But it really only works because they have 18-20 kids per class and have time to actually read and grade essays.