Beyond the Letter Grade: Labor-Based Grading as a Path to Justice

As educators, we discuss “ethical and equitable pedagogy,” yet our grading often fails to truly meet students where they are. Labor contracts create a baseline, allowing all students to be held accountable while valuing growth. Writing isn’t about hitting a word count—it’s about revision. By emphasizing meaningful engagement in editing, we shift focus from grades to real-world writing. The goal isn’t perfection, but practice, pushing students to improve beyond the classroom.