Heather Lloyd, an education expert with over two decades of experience under her belt, graces us with her presence and in-depth knowledge in our latest conversation. We confront the controversial topic of grading in the realm of classical Christian education, questioning whether it truly measures academic mastery or if we should be focusing on instilling wisdom and virtue in our students.

Navigating the murky waters of grading, we discuss its historical context and its influence on education shaped by our culture. We attempt to dissect if an overemphasis on grades might be causing more harm than good and how parents and teachers should deal with them. As we delve further into the subject, Heather provides invaluable insights into the role of grades in education, helping us understand how they can be an effective tool in assessing not just academic growth, but also character development.

We also explore how the coaching philosophy can transform a classroom into a space for collaboration, discovery, and safety. This approach, often dubbed ‘soft grading’ allows students to learn and practice before being put under the scanner of test grades. Lastly, we touch upon the impact of grades on college admissions and discuss ways to translate the academic performance of students into a ‘resume’ that accurately reflects their mastery over the subject. This episode is a must-listen for parents, teachers, and anyone invested in the education of our future generations. Tune in to this compelling conversation – you won’t want to miss it!

Biography: Heather Lloyd

Heather brings over 20 years of teaching experience, including teaching her own 5 children. She has consulted with and started multiple schools and programs including  classical schools, colleges, and performing arts programs. She has also helped develop special needs programs that can be adapted to fit existing school models.