Thiel College alumnus featured in Reader’s Digest article discussing traditional grading scale

GREENVILLE, Pa.-- Thiel College alumnus Thomas R. Guskey, Ph.D. ’72 H’25, a nationally recognized leader in educational assessment and reform was featured in a recent article by Reader’s Digest.

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Reader’s Digest, one of America’s most recognized general-interest magazines, collects human-interest stories, life advice, and expert perspectives and shares them with millions of readers worldwide.

The article, titled “Here’s Why You Never Got an E on Your Report Card,” explores the longstanding traditions in school grading and the growing movement to reform outdated systems. Guskey’s contribution to the piece draws on decades of research and a career devoted to improving how students are evaluated and supported.

Guskey is a Professor Emeritus in the College of Education at the University of Kentucky. He has served as Department Chair, Head of the Educational Psychology Area Committee, and President of the Faculty Council. Over his career, Guskey has held Visiting Professorships at 10 universities in the United States, as well as Visiting Scholars at universities in Australia, Canada, and New Zealand. He also attended Thiel College and graduated in 1972. Guskey began his career as a middle school teacher and later earned his doctorate in educational measurement and evaluation at the University of Chicago. He has authored or edited 30 books and more than 300 professional papers and articles, focusing on educational assessment and classroom effectiveness. His work has earned him numerous accolades, including being named a Fellow of the American Educational Research Association and receiving the Distinguished Contributions to the Field Award from Learning Forward. He continues to contribute to the field through initiatives like developing evaluation models for the Compassionate Coaches Program and engaging school leaders in grading reforms.

Additionally, Guskey and other prominent educators took part in Thiel College’s inaugural Education Summit this past February. The summit was for working professionals as well as high school students who were considering teaching as a career path. The event featured keynote presentations, interactive workshops for students, professional development sessions for educators, and a panel discussion with prominent educators.

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