Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, February 7, 1991 TAG: 9102070131
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-3 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: Justine Elias
DATELINE: DUBLIN LENGTH: Medium
At the beginning of the semester, students were issued portfolios with three file folders - for science, math and research. How they filled those folders determined their grades.
"The students chose whether to save homework and tests," Bentley said. "They can put in independent study work and their own journals."
The journals are the students' reflections on what they learn in and out of school about math and science. The portfolios were submitted for grades at the end of the first semester Jan. 16.
Self-evaluation encourages students to work independently, Bentley said. "It worked really well. In only a couple of instances were there major variations between evaluators. At this point we haven't had anyone who has asked to be re-evaluated."
The school organizes seminars on such subjects as forensic science, sports medicine and genetics. Roanoke Times & World-News reporter Dwayne Yancey recently told students about the U.S. census and its use in the New River Valley.
"We want to open up the learning experience, to bring it outside the school walls," Bentley said. "The more we can get them to write, the better."
A committee consisting of Bentley, Assistant Director Carolyn Linkous and two teachers chosen by the students spent four days examining the portfolios. Grades were based on communication skills and quality of thinking. Most of the grades were Bs, with a handful of As and Cs. There was only one D given, and no failing grades.
Bentley told the school's governing board in December that students had been apprehensive about the different approach to grading but seemed to be adapting to it. Teachers said students asked for more projects to fatten their folders as grading time approached.
The school does not rank its students by grade-point average as regular high schools do. Marks from the Governor's School are weighted twice as heavily as those from the home high schools, Bentley said.
Some students chose not to apply last summer because they were worried about hurting their GPA. "The kids are very rank-conscious," he said. "Grades are an issue we ought to deal with as educators. Rankings are a hindrance more than a help."
by CNB