Lots of schools are trying out different approaches to grading, often met with mixed emotions from teachers. Mastery-based and minimum grading policies are popular, and this week Marcus and Jim were able to discuss how they see some of these ideas playing out. Grades are very important–to both high school students and teachers–as important vehicles for feedback, motivation, and recognition. As a result, striking the right balance with your gradebook can sometimes be a real challenge, especially when people have different ideas about how to do it best.
I enjoyed your conversation! You both seem so thoughtful about every element in your respective classrooms. At the K-5 level, we are required to submit standard-based grades (4,3,2,1) every Trimester. Even though we teach in very different contexts, I found this episode very insightful.
Have you read any of Jesse Stommel’s work on ungrading? His research has helped me be more critical of how I use assessment and grades in my classroom. I know you both give your students tons of feedback so that students can have more agency in their learning. I’m curious what you think about the idea ungrading at the HS level. I believe Stommel uses a lot of learning reflections with college students.
I enjoyed your conversation! You both seem so thoughtful about every element in your respective classrooms. At the K-5 level, we are required to submit standard-based grades (4,3,2,1) every Trimester. Even though we teach in very different contexts, I found this episode very insightful.
Have you read any of Jesse Stommel’s work on ungrading? His research has helped me be more critical of how I use assessment and grades in my classroom. I know you both give your students tons of feedback so that students can have more agency in their learning. I’m curious what you think about the idea ungrading at the HS level. I believe Stommel uses a lot of learning reflections with college students.
https://www.jessestommel.com/ungrading-an-introduction/