Kansas City Public Schools Amends Grading Policy: Zero Work Now Equals Zero Points

A Shift in Grading Philosophy

In Kansas City, Missouri, the Kansas City Public Schools (KCPS) administrators have made significant changes to their grading policy, recently amending the controversial **No Zero Policy**. Initially, this policy allowed students to receive a **40%** grade even if they didn’t turn in any assignments. Now, school officials have decided that **any missing schoolwork will be assigned a zero**, emphasizing accountability among students.

Defining the New Policy

Dr. Derald Davis, the Deputy Superintendent of KCPS, addressed concerns about the previous standings, indicating that grading must reflect students’ actual performance. “What we’re trying to do is not penalize or punish students because perhaps they don’t know what to do,” said Dr. Davis. However, with the new amendments, they aim to convey that **not doing work will not be rewarded**.

Rationale Behind the Change

The primary motivation for revising this policy stems from observations made during the pandemic. Dr. Franklin, Chief Academic Officer, mentioned, “During the pandemic, we started looking at Fs across our district and see what was at the root of those grades.” These conversations began as early as **2020**, aiming to create a fairer grading system that accurately reflects student achievement.

Learning from Student Performance

While analyzing student performance, educators noted that some students who obtained an advanced score in state exams still held failing grades. This insight raised questions about the effectiveness of traditional grading systems, which date back to the **1800s**. “The F stands for ‘fail’ in the current system, but we wanted to dig deeper into what an F truly means,” stated Dr. Davis. He emphasized that the new policy is a step toward eliminating inequities in the grading system.

Feedback and Flexibility

Dr. Franklin also highlighted that the grading policy remains a **”living document,”** open to feedback from parents and educators alike. “We’re still taking feedback, and it could still change based on the feedback we get,” she stated, indicating the district’s willingness to adapt the policy further if necessary.

The Debate Continues

Despite the amendments, the **No Zero Policy** continues to spark debate among parents and educators, with some likening it to a **“participation trophy.”** Dr. Franklin clarified this misunderstanding by reiterating that **”a 40% is a 40%,”** meaning that failing to complete work will not pass students. For students who demonstrate understanding in classroom settings, their **true educational capabilities should be reflected** in their grades.

A Path Forward

As KCPS moves forward with this revised grading approach, the district hopes to support all students, especially those requiring more help, by enriching their educational experience. The emphasis remains on ensuring that grades accurately represent students’ knowledge and efforts, moving beyond outdated grading norms.