Student grading opponents. (letters to the editor).

Loved the column in DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION ("The New Three-Fifths Compromise," Speaking Out, February 2002, p. 21). As a middle school principal I fought to get rid of student grading and fortunately had good back up from the superintendent. It was only teachers who had been teaching for many years who used the deplorable practice. And not the good experienced teachers. If immediate feedback is needed, let the child check his own paper.

Anne Giddings
Middle School Supervisor
Newington (Conn.) Public Schools

I just wanted to drop you a quick "amen" to your Speaking Out piece in DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION ("The New Three-Fifths Compromise," February 2002, p. 21). As a technology coordinator I obviously do not grade papers. However, many times in the course of working on classroom technology I have witnessed peer grading at its best, and at its worst.

I clearly remember the horrors of fifth grade and the paper swap. I can't imagine how terrible the kids felt who routinely had it announced that again they received an F. I was humiliated enough that my straight-A friends knew I was getting Cs.

Thanks for speaking out for those of us who weren't on the honor roll.

Alicia M. Kessler
Technology Coordinator
Neoga CUSD No. 3
Neoga, Illinois