A-E reporting 2

After learning that states and territories have different descriptors for the grades A-E a whole raft of questions came to my mind.

How do we ensure consistency between individual teachers (it is possible that one teacher would award one grade and another one another grade to the same student for the same work)? I know work samples are provided (NSW DET), but what if teachers don't agree? Who decided, anyway?

I note that the NSW DET says in its extended explanations of grade descriptors that they are based upon what the teacher has programmed for the students. What if teachers' expectations vary greatly? What if a teacher has low expectations, writes a relatively 'easy' program, and all the students attain high marks?

How are the grades going to be determined exactly (using mark cut-offs, using a teachers' subjective judgement)? This will vary from school to school, no doubt.

What are the implications for a student who has improved, yet still has not progressed to the next grade? (I guess that's where the comments are meant to come in)

The issue of a C grade being awarded for 'normal' work also raises questions. Obviously there are deeper philosophical and other judgements made about what level of work we should expect from students ... I think my worry here is about the wording between the states which varies between sound, satisfactory, and at, but is this a minimum acceptable standard or good work? In SA and WA, good work is actually better than a C grade! (So if a student is going to get praised for good work, then the work must be better the normal??)

And then there are issues of equity (student and school context) and student self-esteem ... for another day!