January/February 2000
Grade Inflation: What's Really Behind All Those A's
By Lisa Birk
Although most educators and parents would agree on the general purpose of grades-to provide feedback to students, parents and others on student performance-finding a consensus on what criteria to use for grading is a different story. At most schools, there is no single grading policy, and teachers tend to give grades for many different reasons: to measure content mastery, to chart progress, to motivate students and to provide information to a variety of audiences. This article explores the nature of grading and looks at why grades have been climbing in recent years.
Buy this issue.
'Every Friday Was Fight Day'
by Peggy J. Farber
Violence involving girls is a growing problem that gets little attention. In 1973, girls accounted for 15 percent of adolescents arrested for aggravated assault. In 1998, that figure had risen to 22 percent--this despite a nationwide drop in crime rates, according to U.S. Department of Justice statistics. This article explores findings from a few researchers who are looking at why girls fight, and how to help them stop.
Buy this issue.
"Sexual Harassment Erodes the Notion That School is a Safe Place": An Interview with Nan Stein
In recent years, a number of highly publicized lawsuits and incidents have heightened awareness of sexual harassment in schools. Wellesley College researcher Nan Stein discusses the nature of sexual harassment and the best approaches schools can take in dealing with these incidents.
Buy this issue.
|
