Traditional grading often focuses on a single score, leaving little room for growth whereas my classroom takes a different approach using a new grading system. My grading policy is designed to empower students to truly understand the content and develop essential skills. This system emphasizes the journey of learning rather than just the final destination.

Mastery Grading Scale

Each standard or skill is graded on a clear 0-4 mastery scale. This allows for precise feedback and a focus on progress. Grading with a 0-4 mastery scale fosters a learning environment focused on understanding and growth. It empowers students to take ownership of their learning and provides them with a clear roadmap to achieving mastery. The 0-4 scale provides a clear roadmap for students to track their progress. Here’s what each level signifies:

• Level 0: Insufficient Evidence – The student hasn’t demonstrated enough understanding to be assessed accurately.
• Level 1: Not Yet Meeting – The student requires significant support to grasp the concepts.
• Level 2: Approaching Standard – The student shows partial understanding but needs further refinement.
• Level 3: Meeting Standard – The student demonstrates a solid grasp of the concepts and skills.
• Level 4: Mastering Standard – The student not only understands but can also apply the concepts in complex situations.

Mastery grading isn’t just about the number. Each assessment should be accompanied by detailed feedback. This feedback should be actionable, guiding students towards achieving mastery.

Multiple Opportunities for Mastery

Students are given numerous chances throughout the term to demonstrate their understanding of each content standard and skill. This might involve quizzes, projects, presentations, or other assessments. 

Why Multiple Opportunities Matter

• Promoting Growth: Students learn at different paces. By offering multiple attempts, we allow them to solidify their understanding and overcome initial challenges.
• Building Confidence: The pressure of a single high-stakes assessment is reduced. Students can learn from mistakes, revise their work, and build confidence in their abilities.
• Encouraging Effort: Multiple opportunities incentivize students to actively engage with the material and seek out additional support when needed.

Ditching the Average in the New Grading System

The goal of mastery grading isn’t to collect points, but to ensure students truly understand the material. By giving students multiple opportunities to demonstrate mastery, we encourage students to persist and grow, while providing a clearer picture of their learning journey.

When it comes to grading these multiple attempts at mastery, traditional averaging can mask a student’s true progress. Imagine a student who initially struggles with a standard, scoring low on early assessments. But through hard work and revision, they steadily improve. An average that includes both their initial struggles and later mastery might not reflect this growth.

I want to explore a shift in focus: using recent mastery to determine a student’s overall achievement on a standard, rather than simply averaging all their attempts. I will track all attempts at mastery on a standard and use that evidence to make an overall assessment for the student on that standard. This overall assessment of their mastery on the standard is what will be used to determine a term grade.

Here’s why prioritizing recent mastery can benefit both students and teachers:

• Rewards Growth: It acknowledges the effort students put into learning. When a student demonstrates mastery later on, it shows they’ve truly grasped the concept, not just memorized facts for an earlier assessment.
• Reduces Learning Anxiety: Students aren’t penalized for initial challenges. Knowing their most recent attempt holds the most weight can ease test anxiety and encourage a growth mindset.
• Provides a Clearer Picture: Teachers gain a more accurate understanding of a student’s current understanding. This allows for targeted interventions and differentiated instruction.

The 48-Hour Rule

After students complete an assessment, I prioritize returning it to them within a reasonable timeframe. This allows the information to be fresh in their minds. Typically, they receive their graded work within 48 hours. Each assessment is accompanied by specific and actionable feedback. This feedback highlights areas of strength, identifies misconceptions and suggests resources or strategies for improvement. Once students receive their feedback, they have 48 hours to complete corrective activities. 

Tasks: Building a Strong Foundation

Assignments like classwork and homework are considered tasks. These are not graded for mastery but for completion. Completing tasks ensures students are actively participating in the learning process and building a strong foundation before assessments.

Traditional homework, often graded for points, can feel disconnected from classroom learning. Tasks allow students to solidify understanding through practice without the pressure of a grade. The emphasis is on completing the task, allowing students to build confidence and identify areas needing further support without penalty.

Move beyond points! When grading tasks, use simple labels like “Done” or “Incomplete”. This communicates completion clearly without assigning a score that might discourage students.

Level Up! A Second Chance at Mastery

Here’s where things get exciting: responsible learning habits are rewarded! Students who consistently:

• Utilize the 48-Hour Improvement Rule
• Complete all tasks on time

Become eligible for a “Level Up” opportunity. At the end of the grading period, these students can take one additional assessment on a standard they haven’t yet mastered. This allows them to demonstrate their growth and potentially improve their overall grade.

Translating Mastery to Grades:

Term grades are determined by averaging all the overall mastery scores (not each earlier attempt) on each standard. This average mastery score is then translated into a letter grade using a system similar to a GPA, ensuring a clear connection between understanding and final achievement.

Benefits of this New Grading System:

• Empowers Students: Students take ownership of their learning and have agency in their success.
• Focuses on Growth: The system encourages constant improvement and a growth mindset.
• Provides Clear Feedback: Detailed feedback helps students identify areas for improvement and refine their understanding.
• Reduces Test Anxiety: Multiple assessments and the “Level Up” option create a less stressful learning environment.

Related Articles and Resources:

• Learning Beyond the Grade: The Power of the 48 Hour Rule
• How to Build Corrective and Enrichment Activities into your Assessment Routine
• 5 Simple Tips To Make Grading For Teachers Easy

This policy can transform your classroom into a space where learning flourishes. By focusing on mastery rather than grades, you can empower your students to become self-directed learners who are passionate about understanding the world around them. So, join me on this journey of creating a new grading system, and watch your students level up their learning and reach their full potential!