Distributive Justice and Equity in Grading: A New Instructor’s Reflections

Date

2014

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

Editorial from Perspectives on Social Work Volume 10 (Spring 2014)

Abstract

The author reflects upon early teaching experiences to identify a conflict between minimal distributive justice, or the distribution of goods that ensures all individuals have an acceptable level of that good (Deutsch, 1985), and grading of students’ assignments. Instead of addressing the unequal distribution of college preparedness among her students, the author’s grading reflected and potentially reinforced educational, racial, and economic inequalities. In agreement with Anastas (2010), an ethic of social justice is recommended for use in social work education. Social work educators can provide greater access to resources (e.g., the instructor’s time) for students experiencing disadvantages that affect their academic performance.

Description

Keywords

Molly Malany Sayre, Perspectives on Social Work, Social Work Education, Distributive Justice, Social Justice, Grading, Underprepared College Students, Social work, Perspectives on Social Work, Social work education, Distributive Justice, Social Justice, Grading, Underprepared College Students

Citation