Learning criteria
Learning criteria are the elements of an assessment that determine a student's ability to complete a task. Teachers who base their grading processes on learning criteria typically use a combination of these elements. This type of assessment is based on students' performance and effort, but some measurement experts advise using the product criteria exclusively. Students should be able to see that they've made progress towards the learning goals they set for themselves.
Standards-based grading also has a tendency to eliminate the literary canon, thereby reducing learning. It is easier to understand contemporary texts, and students who once struggled to read classics are now reading YA fiction, analyzing animated short films, and thinking critically about pop songs. The results are often the same: students pass the class despite their lack of mastery of the material. However, this method is not appropriate for every subject.
Reporting procedures
A grading mechanism in a school can help teachers determine student performance based on standards. Such a system is based on how well students perform on assignments in school. It guides teachers' assessment and determines the final grade on report cards. It is also helpful for parents, who can get a better understanding of how their child is progressing in school. Here are some tips to help teachers develop reporting procedures.
One way to improve grading processes is to review and approve policies and procedures. Generally, school systems have policies governing the use of letter grades and grading mechanisms. These policies apply to all departments and schools. These policies should be followed by teachers and students to make the grading process fair and consistent. In many cases, students will receive letter grades for all courses, while the reporting process ensures the grades are communicated in a timely manner.
Letter grades
While most schools in the U.S. use a letter grade grading system, many have adapted the grading system of colleges and universities. Letter grades, also called grade points, represent the student's mastery of a subject matter. Students judge themselves on their grasp of concepts, and getting good grades is often cause for pride. This mechanism is used to grade students and determine what grades are deserving of a student's attention.
One of the challenges of the school grading system is that it does not accurately reflect student learning or explain their performance. As a result, students may seek out professors who can earn an "A." They may also spend less time studying the material, because they are constantly thinking about how it will appear on a test. They may also be tempted to seek out short-cut solutions, which could ultimately damage their learning.
Norm-referenced grading
While norm-referenced grading mechanisms in schools tend to make a positive impact on test scores, some educators worry about their effect on student achievement. While norm-referenced grading does help to reduce bias in educational decisions, it should not be used as the only determining factor. For example, gifted and talented programs could use the same test to admit students with the highest scores. Testing experts caution against making major educational decisions based on one test score.
Norm-referenced grading is a method that uses a preset formula to determine what percentage of students pass a course or class. This method is not helpful in advancing education because it doesn't take into account student differences. Additionally, students who receive high grades in this system may not do as well as those who achieve lower grades. The result is that some students may receive low grades despite high ability levels.
Standard-based grading
What has standard-based grading done to the culture of our schools? One way to understand this phenomenon is to read Mindset: The New Psychology of Success by Carol S. Dweck. Dweck explains that standards-based grading "helps teachers communicate with students in a more meaningful way," and that the purpose of a standard-based grade is not to reward the lowest performers but to provide students with a realistic chance for improvement.
One of the main reasons why standards-based grading is so effective is that it holds students to high standards, promoting growth and quality in the process. It also gives teachers and students a clear path to reach their educational goals. While the benefits of this approach are many, the risks are significant. It is not for everyone. If you are unsure about how standards-based grading will work for your classroom, we suggest you read How to Approach Standards-Based Instruction and How to Measure Student Success without Tests.