Engaging in grading practices that promote learning that is fair, accurate, free from bias, and motivating requires a close look at the history of our current grading system. We must understand why we grade as we do before we can redesign our systems. Assessment that prioritizes feedback to feed forward encourages risk taking and student agency. Explore the history of our current grading practices, rooted in 19th century needs, and consider the accuracy, built-in bias, and deterrents to growth.
Equity
We don't all begin in the same place or progress at the same rate. Equitable grading practices focus on the learning.
Grading
Feedback does not require a grade and does foster student agency. Feedback and reporting do not require endless grading.
Instruction and Assessment
What to teach, when to assess, and how to report are essential elements of an equitable grading system.
Grading for Equity: a text-based series
- Study solo or with a group. Watch this brief video to get started then download the syllabus with links to previously recorded sessions.
- Books, articles, podcasts, and blogs - oh my! Access this spreadsheet for many grading resources. See the tabs on the bottom of the page for resource types.
- What to do next? Here are some ideas.
Focus on feedback. What is the relationship between teacher clarity and feedback? View this session recorded in the spring of 2020 that explores the topic.
Return to the Interdisciplinary Instruction Professional Learning page