tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3038828360589919480.post3441322086202542028..comments2023-10-12T05:22:07.181-04:00Comments on The Prichard Blog!: Grades more predictive than readiness tests (again)SPWestonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08602329486466534720noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3038828360589919480.post-74872871220694121052009-09-11T11:47:33.158-04:002009-09-11T11:47:33.158-04:00On the surface it makes sense that grades are a go...On the surface it makes sense that grades are a good predictor of postsecondary success. Grades are a compilitation of being able to demonstrate knowledge (exams), being responsible and conscientious (showing up for class, doing homework, and turning it in), and being able to share your thoughts (class participation). Those are certainly ingredients of success. <br /><br />However, for students with undiagnosed/diagnosed specific learning disabilities, grades are a nightmare of inaccurate information. I have seen these students get As who aren't exposed to challenging work and end up having no grasp of the content; and I have seen these students get Ds for having a grand grasp of the content and never waivering persistance yet receive no credit for work being turned in late, for being disorganized, or because they took a too literal interpretation of the instructions. Deficits inherent to their disability which are not addressed in the classroom.<br /><br />It would also make sense that grades received in Advanced Placement classes would be a good predictor, except when you see a student earn an A (96%) in an AP class and then get a 1 (lowest score possible) on the AP test. How can that be? For a student with a learning disability it can easliy happen when the school fails to follow through on accomodations in the testing process or students don't know that there are free on-line practice tests available as study tools. <br /><br />When quality teaching happens, which in my book includes students with disabilities getting the supports and services they need, grades might be a consistent indicator of post secondary success for all. But right now, that's not happening by a long shot.C Baumerthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15334605513690276168noreply@blogger.com