Big Education Conflict: Behavior versus Knowledge

One of the fundamental conflicts in education right now is the issue of Behavior Versus Knowledge.
That is, should students be graded on their behavior, or only on their learning and knowledge?
NineShift of course argues that in the 21st century Knowledge will replace Behavior as the standard for grading.

Here's two negative and backwards recent events, both written up by Jane Stancill of the Raleigh News and Observer.

BAD IDEA #1. CHANGE ADMISSIONS TO GPA.
   The University of North Carolina is studying a proposal to weight high school GPA more, and SAT/ACT tests less, in admissions. Already males are only 38.6% of UNC graduates (over past 5 years). Boys, as we have documented, get lower GPA than girls due to their behavior (they turn in homework late, and do less homework than girls). The new policy, a step backwards, would lower admissions of men even further.

BAD IDEA #2. GRADE ON BEHAVIOR.
   As we have noted, boys receive lower grades exclusively because of behavior, not learning or knowledge. Faculty lower boys grades for all sorts of behavior. But here's probably the worst reason of the year:
  A Duke student received a failing grade simply because he was on the LaCrosse team. He was not charged, and of course all students were found innocent. Nevertheless he failed a class, and thus could not graduate, simply because he was on the LaCrosse team.  Here's the story.
   He and his parents sued Duke and eventually got a passing grade. But Kim Curtis (pictured), the Duke faculty member, has not been reprimanded or received any disciplinary action whatsoever for this sad and sick act of flunking a student for being on an athletic team. 

Comments

[Maureen Doak]

This is very interesting and timely research. I remember fondly the red "U"s I used to rack up in middle school for unpreparedness, however I managed to make the honor roll quite frequently.

There is definitely questions of control in the classroom that need to be addressed. Of course it can't be a complete free-for-all. However, I think that timeliness is becoming less relevant in our 24/7 universe. How can we manage to be on time when there is so much distraction?

I think that young men need more exercise and time outdoors pursuing sports. Once they are a little tuckered they will be able to pay attention. However they sould be playing for fun not to live out someone else's vicarious fantasy. IMHO, Maureen Doak