Standards-Based Grading and Its Impact

In this session, Kristin Docero from Khan Academy talks with Dr. Matt Townsley about standards-based grading. Townsley shares his journey from a high school math teacher to an advocate for grading reform. They discuss the philosophy and benefits of standards-based grading, including its focus on learning over earning and its alignment with mastery learning principles. The conversation also covers implementation challenges, the impact on student motivation, and how it can address equity issues. Questions from the audience about its application in higher education and for gifted students are also addressed.

What inspired Dr. Matt Townsley to explore grading practices?

• A conversation with a fellow teacher

• A book he read during college

• A conference session on fixing grade books

• A workshop on teaching methods

What is a key feature of standards-based grading?

• Focusing solely on attendance

• Separating learning from behavior

• Using a single percentage for overall performance

• Combining behavior and learning in grades

How does standards-based grading benefit students?

• It focuses on earning points

• It allows for extra credit opportunities

• It reduces the number of assessments

• It emphasizes mastery learning and detailed feedback

How does standards-based grading potentially improve student motivation?

• By focusing on attendance

• By providing specific feedback on learning goals

• By offering more extra credit

• By reducing the number of tests

What is a challenge teachers might face when transitioning to standards-based grading?

• Limited access to teaching resources

• Increased administrative tasks

• Difficulty in aligning assessments with standards

• Lack of student interest

What is a key consideration for teachers when implementing standards-based grading?

• Aligning assessments with learning goals

• Maintaining traditional grading scales

• Increasing the number of assessments

• Focusing on extracurricular activities

How can standards-based grading impact gifted students?

• It requires them to do more busy work

• It limits their ability to excel

• It provides opportunities for extension activities

• It focuses only on average students

What is a potential benefit of standards-based grading in terms of equity?

• It allows for more extra credit

• It emphasizes competition among students

• It focuses on participation and attendance

• It reduces bias by focusing on learning

What is a common misconception about standards-based grading and college preparation?

• It does not prepare students for college

• It complicates the grading process

• It makes students less competitive

• It is not recognized by colleges

How does standards-based grading address the issue of busy work for students?

• By increasing the number of tests

• By focusing on group projects

• By eliminating point values for practice assignments

• By assigning more homework