KANSAS CITY, Missouri (KCTV) – Normally, a student who scores zero in school should expect to receive a grade of zero. But that’s no longer the case in Kansas City Public Schools.
For the 2023-24 school year, the school district has implemented a new grading system called the “no zero policy.” Essentially, the minimum grade for any assignment is 40%, even if the student did not complete the assignment. The policy is designed to help lower-performing students catch up.
KCPS declined an interview with KCTV5 but shared a video announcement sent to parents from Chief Academic Officer Dr. Latanya Franklin. She explained that discussions and work to improve KCPS grading policies began in fall 2021. She said a new grading method now adjusts the failing grade: from 0-59 percent to 40-59 percent. The new system takes into account non-Montessori students in grades K through 12.
ALSO READ: Back-to-school bonus: Raytown teachers receive better pay
“These changes aim to reduce the negative impact of zeros on student grades by focusing on support and intervention for growth and progress, as well as authentic learning and equity,” Franklin said in the video statement.
KCTV5 presented the policy to a group of four KCPS teachers, a parent and the president of the district’s teachers union.
When asked who was against this measure, five people raised their hands.
“If we give them 40%, they don’t actually learn anything,” says Sarah Wilson, virtual teacher.
“Saying ‘no, zero’ means you can do nothing and still get paid without translating into marketable skills,” says Stephanie Kimbrough, a middle and high school teacher.
Sandra Holliday, a kindergarten teacher who is strongly opposed to this rule, believes that the role of educators will be weakened by this measure.
ALSO READ: “Uber the School Bus” comes to Kansas City Public Schools
“So you say, ‘Why do I have to listen to you? I’m still getting a 40,’ and yeah, it doesn’t matter,” Holliday said.
“I think it’s really hard for a student to catch up from a zero,” said Meredith Shepherd.
Shepherd, who teaches 3rd and 4th grades, said a bad grade should not affect the entire semester or overall performance.
“If you give a student a 40 and they learn that skill later in the semester, the 80s and 90s they get on their assignments will even out a little more easily and the grade will be more fair,” Shepherd said.
“I think it’s safe to say we’re 65 to 70 percent opposed,” said Jason Roberts, president of Local 691 – Kansas City Federation of Teachers, the KCPS teachers union.
ALSO READ: Children in Kansas City learn to stop bleeding at the start of the school year
He said the opinion of the group interviewed by KCTV5 reflects the opinion of the union itself, but the biggest problem lies in the implementation of the policy.
“There are a lot of unknowns and a lot of questions that I think have been unanswered for a year now, about why and what I do in this situation and that situation,” Roberts said.
As an educator, Roberts was asked for his opinion on the no-zero policy.
“I’m against it because I don’t think it teaches our students responsibility,” Roberts said. “We’re not preparing our students for college or careers if we tell them they’re getting something for free. That’s not how the real world works.”
“I am not satisfied with the zero policy,” said Sandra Dayse.
Dayse has one child who has graduated from KCPS and another who is still attending. She agreed with Roberts, saying the no-zero policy presents a false reality.
“It’s impossible for me to come to work every day, do 50% of my work and still keep my job,” Dayse said. “Instead of pursuing the zero-rating policy, I would like the district and the districts that do this to find the root problem.”
KCTV5 also received the following statement from KCPS.
For more coverage on the back to school season, click here Here.
All rights reserved.
