Matt Mirabello

EDU 218 A
Spring 2016 Sections A
Charles M. Kokiko, Ph. D.
2/24/16

Reflection of The Case Against the Zero

The Case Against the Zero, is a very logical way of looking at the current grading
policy in our education system. All my life I have grown up knowing the 100 point
grading system. I have never questioned it once. It always seemed to make sense to
me and it always seemed to be a reasonably fair way of grading. Reading this article
opened my eyes to a new way of grading that at first glance immediately made sense
and appeared to be very reasonable. After reading a second time to examine the article
more carefully, I have become more persuaded to take on the beliefs as my own and
agree with what Reeves is saying. It does appear to me now, that the common grading
system is a little unfair. I also like Reeves stance which disagrees with the punishing
kids for missing or poor work. Teachers are their to educate the kids, not just hand them
assignments and check if they were right or wrong. It is important that kids realize their
mistakes, go over their work, and correct themselves. I now firmly believe that changing
these two aspects of the school system that Reeves talks about will implement a fair
grading system and install an atmosphere more centered around learning.

When Reeves talks about changing the grading system, it is very hard to go against
what he says. It makes sense. Why would teachers give 0s to worksheets that were
either failed or not handed in. The ratio is clearly off. This can be an easy fix in school
systems as this is not so much of an opinion based change, but simply following where
mathematical sense takes you. If a teacher feels uncomfortable switching to a 0-4 or a
1-5 system then they can convert to a 50 point scale. This allows for even margins
between each grade A-F. I believe that this is the way to go. Decimals can be confusing
sometimes and a 50 point scale is simple and easy for everyone to understand. I think

the biggest problem however is the punishment/reward method discussed in Reeves

article. Students need to be able to improve on their work and not feel like the teacher is
against them. Teachers need to help kids through their difficulties and give them
chances to improve.

This article, The Case Against the Zero, has given me a new way of thinking about the
grading system in terms points assigned and how teachers grade missing or failed
work. Teachers should be more aware of how the 100 point scale is actually unfair to a
lot of students. I also believe that as teachers we should try to realize that having kids
revise homework and make sure that they understand the material instead of just
punishing them for their failed work. Striving for higher goals in our education is
extremely important and from reading this article it is clear that Reeves has it in mind.