Missing homework, late assignments matter little as Oregon schools grade exclusively on academic... [View all]

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Missing homework, late assignments matter little as Oregon schools grade exclusively on academic mastery

By Betsy Hammond, The Oregonian

Starting this term, every public school student in Oregon is supposed to be graded solely by whether they have mastered the academic skills covered in class.

Turning everything in neat and on time, bringing back signed forms and racking up extra credit won't boost grades. Turning assignments in late, skipping homework and talking during class won't hurt, as long as the student can demonstrate the key skills and knowledge covered in the course.

In reality, it won't always work that way, especially not in this first year that, by law, grades must be based purely on academic achievement. But educators agree it's causing emotional discussions, big policy changes and a huge culture shift in schools.

And almost everywhere, teachers and principals are wrestling with the question of how to keep students motivated and practiced at meeting deadlines if late work doesn't get docked.

full: http://www.oregonlive.com/education/index.ssf/2013/09/missing_homework_late_assignme.html