Grading Content vs. Behavior

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Grading Content vs. Behavior

You have the right: to judge a student's expertise in your academic discipline. You may grade a student on any of the learning goals you set for and communicate to that student.

You have the right: to establish rules for your classroom in order to ensure a constructive learning environment.

You do not have the right: to grade a student based on his or her behavior

You may grade learning goals,
but you may not grade on behavior alone.

What is considered grading a student on behavior:	Grading a student on attendance in a large lecture course (attendance is not part of the learning goals for such a course)	Grading a student down for handing in papers late in a course in order to punish a student for lazy or disorganized behavior.
What is not considered grading a student on behavior:	Grading a student on attendance in a clinical or lab course where their ability to contribute to a group is part of the learning goal.	Grading a student down on a paper handed in late in a course designed to teach study skills for college.

The difference between behavior and academic fitness can get quite fuzzy. Part of the learning goals of clinical medicine is the ability to interact effectively with patients and other medical colleagues. Thus, a medical student might be graded on his/her ability to be personable and could be graded down in this area if they were considered rude or difficult to interact with. A student in entry level science courses is responsible for mastering academic skills and content and no matter how rude or difficult this person is, he/she should not be graded down because of it. On the other hand, a student in a course where one of the learning goals is the ability to work and create knowledge in collaboration with other students, might be graded on his/her ability to collaborate.

You have the right to set rules for behavior in your classroom.

In order to guarantee a productive learning environment, you may forbid what you consider to be disruptive behavior in your class.

cell phones
pagers
walkmans
loud talking or whispering
eating and drinking
overly distracting dress or behavior

You cannot limit students' first amendment right to free expression, but the right to a productive learning environment takes priority. So, for example, you could ban a student who comes naked to class or wearing another costume meant to distract you and other students, but you can't ban a student from wearing an earring in their nose or lip or a very short miniskirt simply because you don't like that style or find it disrespectful.

You may ask disruptive students to stop
their disruptive behavior or to leave the class.

You must make exceptions for students whom Disability Resources for Students has determined need to be accommodated. (For example, a pregnant woman or a diabetic might need to eat in your class)
You may NOT grade a student down for any kind of behavioral issue.

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Last updated: 09/04/07
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