Grading

I really appreciated the lively conversation about grades today. I, as the art teacher, have never believed in grades, even in high school art. It just seems to me that art is the last freedom, excepting maybe music, where assessments should be authentic (portfolio or performance based) and effort should be the only concern. Given enough stimulating activities and chances to succeed most students will become intrinsically motivated. I know this is not true for all children in all subjects but I think there must be a better way of keeping track of progress without grading that can make a child feel like a failure. I empathize with Kris when she tells of how most middle school children have seemingly lost the natural curiosity that keeps learning fun. I think enough bad grades early on would want to make anyone give up.