We think it's learning; they think it's a grade

A school with which I am familiar is making a huge effort to change its focus from evaluation to learning (think NCLB in reverse). One of their strategies has been to move to outcomes and thus skills (or competencies) instead of simple recall and "stuff". Another has been to using performance statements (rubrics) rather than grades. The is to describe what a student has done so that s/he can see what can be done in addition to show improvement. Guess what happened.

Buy me a coffee

I was contacted recently by a parent asking me if I could tutor her son. I asked a few questions and what seemed to be needed was a mix of homework support, remediation and building self-confidence. I suggested we meet for an initial session where I could assess (approximately) his levels, and he could see if he liked me and  my approach. Then, she said that any sessions must be in-person.