So much discussion. Is anyone else bothered by the thread title premise that everyone should be able to get an A? My understanding is that an A means above and beyond the masses. Too many A’s and it becomes a useless measure. btw- when honors classes have high percentages of A’s that is likely because students self select- the lower tier students choose a different version.
It can be better to remove the ceiling and allow the very few to show work of their ability rather than make a test where it is expected the majority of questions can be answered correctly/completely addressed. How many students never realize how much there is to be known because they are never challenged to go beyond the basics?
I agree with hard work does not equal mastery or deserving of a good grade. I suspect grading quizzes and homework is a device to show students what they still need to learn.
How can there be excellence when the majority has it? Doesn’t that just redefine average? If everyone can get an A it becomes a meaningless marker.