Giving a Grade to COVID-19 Education
Now more than ever, we need more student-centered choice in education.
By Cassie Moran
Date: May 17, 2021
Prior to COVID-19 shutting down schools, many students were already struggling. Now, after a year of school shutdowns and online learning, we ought to consider the impact this has had on our students.
On April 9, 2021, the Florida Department of education issued an emergency order making it optional for schools to participate in grading. Governor Ron DeSantis commented, “Over the past year and beyond, Florida has led on prioritizing the education and wellbeing of our state’s students. This emergency order will empower students, families and teachers with data on students’ progress and growth and provide them with the necessary tools to create the best educational experience for each individual.” This emergency order inhibits our ability to accurately measure students’ academic performance.
Of course, the problem of grading amidst school shutdowns and online learning is complex, and is explored in greater depth by the Tampa Bay Times article, “Teachers rethink grading as many students struggle during the pandemic” by Jeffrey S. Solochek. In one middle school history teacher’s class, “Nearly 90 percent of students attending remotely were failing, while in-person students didn’t have nearly as many F’s.” Evidently, there are some major flaws with remote education.
The real problem here is not actually remote learning, nor grading, or lack thereof. Perhaps online education is fitting for some students, or is necessary for others with medical conditions – and such students should have access to online education. For many others, in-person learning is critical to engaging them. The problem is our education system’s inability to best meet each individual student’s educational needs
Now more than ever, we need more student-centered choice in education.
