Making the Grade: A Systems Approach to Strengthening the Connection between Grades and Student Learning. Policy and Practice Brief
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| Title: | Making the Grade: A Systems Approach to Strengthening the Connection between Grades and Student Learning. Policy and Practice Brief |
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| Language: | English |
| Authors: | Joel Knudson, California Collaborative on District Reform |
| Source: | California Collaborative on District Reform. 2025. |
| Availability: | California Collaborative on District Reform. Available from: American Institutes for Research. 1400 Crystal Drive 10th Floor, Arlington, VA 22202. Tel: 202-403-5000; Fax: 202-403-5001; e-mail: cacollaborative@air.org; Web site: https://cacollaborative.org/ |
| Peer Reviewed: | N |
| Page Count: | 12 |
| Publication Date: | 2025 |
| Sponsoring Agency: | Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation William and Flora Hewlett Foundation Dirk and Charlene Kabcenell Foundation S.H. Cowell Foundation Silver Giving Foundation Stuart Foundation |
| Document Type: | Reports - Descriptive |
| Education Level: | Elementary Secondary Education |
| Descriptors: | Educational Change, Grading, Student Evaluation, Barriers, Educational Practices, Educational Improvement, Access to Education, Equal Education, Academic Achievement, Educational Resources, Educational Opportunities, Systems Approach, Elementary Secondary Education |
| Geographic Terms: | California |
| Abstract: | Across the country, districts are taking a fresh look at how grading practices can better reflect what students know and are able to do. These efforts have the potential to address longstanding problems with fairness and consistency. However, changes to traditional practices can also spark confusion, anxiety, and even backlash when members of a district community do not share an understanding of what the changes entail or the rationale behind them. Two new briefs from the California Collaborative on District Reform offer practical insights for educators who are exploring thoughtful ways to ensure grades reflect progress, provide meaningful feedback, and promote consistency. The first brief, "Making the Grade: A Systems Approach to Strengthening the Connection Between Grades and Student Learning," underscores the importance of addressing grading practices at a district level. It then explores strategies for cultivating a shared understanding of problems and goals, engaging constituents to craft solutions, and gathering feedback to inform the process of continuous improvement. The companion brief, "Making the Grade: Elevating Student Perspectives to Improve Grading Practices," emphasizes the value of student voice in identifying shortcomings of existing practices, crafting more effective approaches, and refining those approaches to better achieve goals for learning. The brief incorporates the perspectives of Sanger USD students to illustrate ways in which their insights can contribute to more effective change. Together, these briefs offer a starting point for conversations about how educators can make grading more meaningful and supportive of student success. |
| Abstractor: | As Provided |
| Entry Date: | 2026 |
| Accession Number: | ED678015 |
| Database: | ERIC |
| Abstract: | Across the country, districts are taking a fresh look at how grading practices can better reflect what students know and are able to do. These efforts have the potential to address longstanding problems with fairness and consistency. However, changes to traditional practices can also spark confusion, anxiety, and even backlash when members of a district community do not share an understanding of what the changes entail or the rationale behind them. Two new briefs from the California Collaborative on District Reform offer practical insights for educators who are exploring thoughtful ways to ensure grades reflect progress, provide meaningful feedback, and promote consistency. The first brief, "Making the Grade: A Systems Approach to Strengthening the Connection Between Grades and Student Learning," underscores the importance of addressing grading practices at a district level. It then explores strategies for cultivating a shared understanding of problems and goals, engaging constituents to craft solutions, and gathering feedback to inform the process of continuous improvement. The companion brief, "Making the Grade: Elevating Student Perspectives to Improve Grading Practices," emphasizes the value of student voice in identifying shortcomings of existing practices, crafting more effective approaches, and refining those approaches to better achieve goals for learning. The brief incorporates the perspectives of Sanger USD students to illustrate ways in which their insights can contribute to more effective change. Together, these briefs offer a starting point for conversations about how educators can make grading more meaningful and supportive of student success. |
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