No more zeros: New grading policy in place at Kansas City Public Schools

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) - Typically, a student who finishes zero schoolwork should expect zero for a grade. But that is not the case anymore in Kansas City Public Schools.

For the 2023-24 school year, the school district district launched a new grading system, the “no zero policy.” Essentially, the minimum grade on any given assignment is 40%, even if the student didn’t do the assignment. The policy is designed to help struggling students catch up.

KS declined an interview with KCTV5 but shared a video announcement from chief academic officer Dr. Latanya Franklin sent to parents. She explained discussions and work to improve the KS grading policy began in the fall of 2021. She said a new grading method has now adjusted the failing grade: from 0 to 59 percent, to 40 to 59 percent. The new system reflects non-Montessori students in grades K through 12.

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“These changes intend to reduce the adverse effects of zeroes on students’ grades, emphasizing growth and progress and intervention and authentic learning and equity,” Franklin said in the video statement.

KCTV5 took the policy to a group of four KS teachers, a parent and the head of the district’s teacher union.

When asked who was opposed to the policy, five people raised their hands.

“If we give them the 40%, they’re not really learning anything,” said Sarah Wilson, Virtual Teacher.

“To say ‘no zero’ means that you can do nothing and still get paid that doesn’t translate into marketable skills,” said Stephanie Kimbrough, middle and high school teacher.

Sandra Holliday, a kindergarten teacher who is strongly opposed, said the policy diminishes the role of an educator.

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“So, they’re like ‘why do I have to listen to you? I’m still going to get a 40,′ and yeah it doesn’t matter,” said Holliday.

“I think a zero is really hard for a student to come back from,” said Meredith Shepherd.

Shepherd, who teaches 3rd and 4th grade, said one bad grade shouldn’t affect the entire semester or overall performance.

“If you give a student a 40 and then they learn that skill later in this semester those 80’s and 90’s they’re getting on their assignments will average out a little easier and it will make a more equitable grade,” said Shepherd.

“I think it’s pretty safe to say we’re about 65 to 70% against,” said Jason Roberts, who is the president of Local 691 — Kansas City Federation of Teachers, the teacher’s union for KS.

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He said the opinion of the group polled by KCTV5 is reflective of the union itself, but the biggest problem was in the rollout of the policy.

“There are a lot of unknowns and a lot of questions that I would say that have gone unanswered for a year, about the rationale and what do I do in this situation and that situation,” said Roberts.

Speaking as an educator, Roberts was asked his opinion of the No Zero Policy.

“I’m opposed to it, I don’t think it teaches our students anything as far as responsibility,” said Roberts. “We’re not training our students to be college or career-ready when you’re saying you’re getting something for nothing, that’s not how the real-world works.”

“I do not like the zero policy,” said Sandra Dayse.

Dayse has one child who graduated from KS schools and another who is still attending. She echoed Roberts’s sentiments, saying the No Zero Policy gives a false reality.

“There’s no way I could come to work each day and do 50% of my job and stay employed,” said Dayse. “Instead of doing the Zero grading policy, I would wish the district and the districts doing this would find the root problem.”

KCTV5 also received the following statement from KS.

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