Table of Contents
Foreword viii
Acknowledgments xi
Introduction xiv
Chapter 1 Acknowledge the Problems with Points 1
Points-Based Grading Gets in the Way of Student Learning 3
How Did We Get Here? 10
We Can Choose a Different Path to Grades 12
Interlude Semester Grade Letter by Izzy, Grade 12, AP English Literature and Composition 16
Chapter 2 Establish Clear and Meaningful Learning Goals 18
Decide What You Value Most 20
Take a Close Look at What's Required 23
Write a Clear, Simple List of Learning Goals 26
Interlude Semester Grade Letter by Ella, Grade 6, English Language Arts 33
Chapter 3 Plan the Work Students Will Do 35
Consider the Mismatch Between Tasks Focused on Products and Learning Goals 37
Determine What Students Need to Practice to Meet Learning Goals 40
Repurpose Traditional Accountability Measures to Better Support Readers and Writers 43
Imagine New Possibilities That Hold Students Accountable for Learning 46
Set Up Routines That Protect the Work Students Need to Do 51
Interlude Semester Grade Letter by Elena, Grade 12, AP English Literature and Composition 58
Chapter 4 Create a Classroom Culture of Feedback 61
Nurture a Positive Feedback Culture 61
Teach Students About Feedback 63
Share the Feedback Load with Your Students 67
Work More Efficiently When You Give Feedback 77
Interlude Semester Grade Letter by Kalliyan, Grade 12, AP English Literature and Composition 84
Chapter 5 Make the Learning Visible 87
Think of Your Grade Book as a Data Warehouse 90
Determine What Data You Need 93
Take Control of the Math Machine 101
Imagine What You Can Do with Your Grade Book 107
Interlude Semester Grade Letter by Jake, Grade 9, English Language Arts 117
Chapter 6 Invite Students to Set Goals and Reflect on Their Growth 119
Focus on Behaviors That Support Learning 123
Set Individual Learning Goals 125
Imagine What Success Looks Like 127
Map Out a Plan 128
Track the Learning 133
Interlude Semester Grade Letter by Ben, Grade 12, Senior Literature, Composition, and Communication 142
Chapter 7 Determine a Final Grade 145
Establish Clear Guidelines 146
Create a Single Document for Students' Reflections 150
Prepare Students to Write the Stories of Their Learning Journeys 154
Interlude Semester Grade Letter by Aracely, Grade 12, Senior Literature, Composition, and Communication 165
Afterword 167
Bibliography 172