Re: Grading Alternatives

["John E. Purchase, Ed. D." <jopur@muskoka.com>]

Dan Lyle referred to the AIM of the education system.   Part of the problem, as he inferred, is that
there are AIMS and they are, at times,  in direct conflict with one another or restricted by
resource-related factors..

Here are four and, as Dan's example illustrated,  they easily "morph" into others.

a)  Maximum Potential Aim -- each learner should be helped to develop to his or her maximum
potential.

b)  Consistent Capability Aim -- all students exiting any given stage of education will have the
same level of  preparation    for their futures.

c)  Minimum Proficiency  Aim -- every student can be expected to surpass some specified minimum
level of proficiency (corresponding to his or her stage in the system).

d)  Maximum Productivity Aim -- the measure of student  achievement (and the education system) is
reflected in the overall productivity of society.

Which one of these Aims are we talking about when we refer to our own expectations of the education
system(s)?  If we do not share the same Aim(s),  can we hope to communicate about Quality in
education?

John E. Purchase
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