The Confession‐Grade Exchange: Penny for Your Thoughts

Abstract This article tells the story of how an undergraduate future teacher, Jessie, gave an account of her hardships in the hopes of gaining a better grade. Responding to this episode, I name it a “confession‐grade exchange.” I then offer a descriptive account of grading, grading as an exchange, and confession as an exchange. Building from this analysis, I offer an ameliorative reframing centered on reciprocity and responsibility.