Temple Sociology of Education Grading Contract

This is the contract for grading in the Fall 2020 course led by Dr. Sara Goldrick-Rab. It is inspired and adapted from Peter Elbow; his rationale for contract grading is superb.

Process

(1) We will offer feedback on participation and assignments, not grades. We will also update you on your progress so that you know if any course corrections are needed.

(2) You will offer self-reflections and suggested grades. Examine the rubric below when assessing your grade.

(3) We will seriously consider your suggested grades, and accept your recommendation if the evidence provided aligns with our observations. If it does not, we will discuss the discrepancies with you and reach a conclusion. The instructor is ultimately responsible for the final grade.

How to Get a Final Grade of B (read on below if you aim higher or lower):

(1) Participate on a regular basis (this is an asynchronous class; you should not have more than 1–2 weeks without active participation)

(2) Keep up with the assignments(a delay should only occur if pre-arranged or if due to an emergency) — this includes submitting all of your self-assessments

(3) Engage the course’s content in your assignments; go beyond anecdote and apply the sociological ideas we are discussing in the course to improve your learning.

How to Get a Final Grade of A

Do everything listed above, and go beyond by striving for high quality work — engaging in optional activities and doing optional readings to maximize your learning. You should observe yourself developing as a sociologist throughout this course, if these efforts are paying off.

Grades Lower than B

If you do not participate or complete assignments, you’ll be headed for a lower grade. If you are missing classes and behind in work, please stay in touch with us about your chances of passing the course. If you do not communicate proactively about your lack of participation or missing assignments, you will not be eligible to pass the class.