I would like to know, if there is progress/improvement, how do the grades fall?
Grades can fall because the expectations went up. Note that "expectations" are
subjective, whereas mastery of a topic or unity of study can be
objective.
For example: 99% on a math test is
objectively a great measure.
Subjectively, if the
expectation was 100%, then the 99% fell short; it did not meet expectations.
This may lead to consideration of whether the expectations are reasonable. For example: Is the expectation set at 88% for gen ed pupils, with a higher expectation (possibly 100%) for pupils identified as gifted? Some may say that the expectations ought to be made known proactively; Grading ought to be a transparent process. Parents and students ought not to be placed in the awkward and dis-empowered position of guessing how things are evaluated.
