D-86 Student Leader Addresses Controversial Grading Proposal

HINSDALE, IL — A Hinsdale Central High School leader says a proposal to do away with zeroes in the grading system could benefit struggling students.

At the same time, fewer students may turn in homework on time if they can still get credit turning it in late, said Heather Raslan, Central's student liaison to the Hinsdale High School District 86 board.

"Homework reinforces understanding of a current lesson so that students can move on to the next one with a solid knowledge base," Raslan said in her monthly report to the board. "By not doing homework on time, students may be unprepared for class."

Raslan was referring to the proposal to do away with zeroes and replacing them with 50 percent grades. For major assignments and tests, students will get a "missing and essential" designation if they fail to do the work, meaning they must complete it to pass the class.

Traditionally, schools simply put in a zero and move on when a student fails to complete work. At a recent school board meeting, a top district official said the elimination of zeroes would add a new layer of accountability.

"By putting a zero in the gradebook, we can never know whether the student is ready for the next unit or the next course," Chris Covino, assistant superintendent for academics, said.

Raslan's concerns were similar to those expressed by school board members, who also feared students would simply miss assignments and do them later.