The Myth of School Grades: Faculty Members as Advocates for Research-Based Policies

• In Event: What Does It Mean? The Role of Assessment and Data in Public Opinion

Abstract

Public education is increasingly being challenged by state and federal policies often grounded on little empirical research. The authors contend that it is impingent upon university faculty members to use research to challenge these policies. This presentation shares findings from a study of one such policy - the use of letter grades to rate and rank public schools. Findings from nearly 300 principals in North Carolina highlight the deleterious effects of school grading policies.

Authors

• Scott R. Imig, University of Newcastle

• Robert W. Smith, University of North Carolina - Wilmington