Buchanan High School will continue to hold students accountable. Standards-based grading still holds students accountable, but with a new definition of accountability. Accountability is redefined, not eliminated. Two teachers may have two differing ideas on what accountability means. One may beleive that accountability is a consequence for behavioral mis-steps, while the other teacher may beleive that accountability is the belief that all learning is essential. Being held accountable for irresponsible behavior does not have to equate to experiencing punitive consequences. This shift in focus encourages educators to examine evidence of learning holistically rather than mathematically.
When we focus on learning, teachers focus on identifying necessary evidence. Teachers may consider missing assignments are unnecessary, or alternatively, may find that the assignment is critical and will make every effort to ensure that students complete it. Allowing students to accept a zero in the gradebook as a consequence for not doing it is not holding students accountable, it's simply a punishment. Real accountability means teachers deem that no essential evidence is optional and that students are responsible for all of the learning.
In a standards-based school, students are still held accountable, responsibility is still important, and deadline still matter. Those behaviors are simply not impacted in the grading of learning. Although every new implementation has it's wrinkles to iron out, we are working to ensure that student grades reflect learning.
