What are the PRIMARY purposes of grading?

The primary purposes of grading revolve around measuring knowledge and identifying educational progress. Grading serves as a tool to assess how well students have grasped the material they have been taught and to gauge their understanding and mastery of specific skills. This measurement provides insight into the effectiveness of instruction and the curriculum, allowing educators to adjust their teaching methods and focus on areas where students may need additional support.

Moreover, grades can help identify trends in learning, such as improving knowledge over time or highlighting areas that may require further focus. Effective grading practices contribute significantly to student learning by encouraging self-reflection and personal growth in academic pursuits.

While providing feedback for parents is a valuable function of grading, it's not the primary purpose. Grading is fundamentally centered on evaluating student performance and fostering educational development rather than merely ranking students or serving as a form of punishment.