Chaffey College counselor and professor Jackie Boboye has changed how she grades students, and she has been vocal in opting to change the traditional grading system in community colleges. She has changed how she grades students in her Essential Student Success class and her Career and Life Planning course. Since she is preparing students for the future, she wants them to be inspired and excited about learning, instead of devastated by setbacks.

The pandemic brought it all home: Her students are caring for loved ones and are sometimes sick themselves. They have housing and internet problems and are super stressed.

“In the past, students had to provide documentation for late work if there was sickness or a death in the family,” says the Chaffey College Faculty Association member. “With the pandemic, that has changed. I’m more flexible about late work, as long as students communicate with me.”

She doesn’t assign many tests or quizzes anymore. Instead, she’ll ask students to read a chapter and create their own quiz and answer their own questions — or create a summary.

“I want students to be more engaged and be able to express what they have learned. They can’t redo assignments. But I offer them extra credit by taking workshops online, and participating in conferences, which allows them to demonstrate research and learning tying into their career goals.”

Grades are important, but learning is even more important, she believes.

“I love to see them succeed, and then come back and share their success stories with other students. It’s why I love what I do.”

–Jackie Boboye, Chaffey College

CCA Vice President Randa B. Wahbe says being more responsive to students’ needs fosters inclusivity and equity.

“The pandemic has taken an emotional and mental toll on all of us, creating challenges that we didn’t anticipate. Giving students opportunities to retake tests, update essays, and demonstrate they understand the material, could make the difference in whether a student continues their academic journey. It’s a kindness that can have lasting benefits for our students and reflects that we care about their success.”

–CCA Vice President Randa B. Wahbe