PAUSD is currently reformatting the district’s grading system, beginning a pilot program to transition toward an evidence-based approach for all classes. The program is set to roll out gradually over the coming years, in an attempt to make grades more accurately match students’ understanding.
According...
Grades: a staple in high school life and a cause for comparison, curiosity and—most widely—conversation. According to a survey sent out to Gunn students by The Oracle from Jan. 27 to Feb. 3 with 225 self-selected responses, 97.4% of students discuss grades with their peers, and 18.7% do so daily....
Written by Collin Jaeger
A frustrating predicament for many this past winter break: the final grades for first semester were hidden throughout the two weeks off from school and came back into display on Jan. 12, the first Friday of second semester. Principal Kathleen Laurence left a short message on...
Written by Katie Zhang. “Hey what did you get on your test last week? It was so hard! Ugh!” This type of dialogue is often heard around Gunn. We at Gunn have a bragging culture around academics, extracurriculars and self-care. Many times, people say that they are fine on the outside, but in...
Compiled by Katie Zhang
“I think curving grades would motivate students to work harder because they will have more hope for a better overall grade.”
Anna Chin (9)
“I think it helps take pressure off of tests. If your class doesn't really know the material, it helps you get back on track.”
Jessalyn...
by Cassandra Bond
It is 1 a.m., and you are still working on the English paper that’s due the next day. We are all familiar with this dreadful feeling of a seemingly endless stream of schoolwork and late nights. We sacrifice a lot to be proud of our grades and academics, but our success in school...
Written by Helen Nguyen
On March 8, the Board of Education held a special meeting for a laning board study session with the purpose of clarifying common language, deepening understanding and discussing the why and the what, research, practice and some pros and cons regarding ability grouping, laning,...
Written by Alex Dersh
In a meeting on Jan. 14, the Challenge Success committee evaluated its chart of work goals and developed a list of potential action plans to achieve them. Members discussed the best strategies to take, such as designing accessible communication between stakeholders, assessing...
Written by Barrett Zhang
Ban electronics
Banning electronics for the duration of studying may be hard but it helps reduce distractions for your studying process.
Listen to relaxing music
Listening to music can increase concentration, but usually only if the music does not contain lyrics....
Written by Shawna Chen and Janet Wang
It’s test day. You’re sitting at your desk, nervously tapping your pencil. You’ve prepared to the best of your ability, but your anxiety increases as you open the test booklet. One problem in particular is worth a lot of points, but you don’t know how to...
Written by Yuki Klotz-Burwell
Halfway through the first semester of my freshman year, I had mastered the facade that my grades were perfect and that my life was under control. I pretended that I was happy and healthy and doing well in school. The reality of the situation, however, was the complete...
