How does an M (missing) or a blank evidence score factor into the Summative (standards) Score?

How does an M (missing) or a blank evidence score factor into the Summative (standards) Score?

Answer: They don't.

It requires a shift in how we think about our pedagogy. 

As scientists say, "absence of evidence is not evidence of absence."

As a student, if I don't turn in my Shakespeare Essay, does that mean I am bad at English? No. It means I have poor work habits. What does it say about my English skills? Absolutely nothing. We have no evidence to draw any conclusions whatsoever about that. So in the service of accuracy and fairness, we don't.

We do need to apply what Dr Marzano calls "pressure to achieve." And strategies for that include monitoring pace, disciplinary measures at school and at home, ineligibility for extra curricular activities, monitoring soft skills as their own learning targets, etc.. But what we do not want to do is mix any of those soft-skill needs of the learner up with their academic abilities. 

Really, that's the beauty of this model and of Empower. Traditionally, a kid gets a D in English and mom and dad get him an English tutor or we make him retake the class and we imply, "you're kinda dumb at English." When really he has no issues understanding the material, he may just need us to light the fires of motivation somehow. 


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