Grading From the Inside Out

In Grading From the Inside Out, Tom Schimmer establishes that the time for grading reform is now. Traditional grading procedures no longer work due to vast changes in pedagogy and assessment. While F–12 teachers and administrators may feel hesitant about moving away from past practices or making profound changes in grading, and while it may be challenging, a change in grading to a standards-based mindset is essential for effective instruction and assessment. To help readers develop standards-based mindsets about grading, Schimmer proposes a grading paradigm based on a new approach to reporting student achievement. He helps readers understand the need to establish a true north in grading practices based on accuracy and confidence. He presents educators with steps they can actively take positively alter grading and reporting in their classrooms.

F–12 teachers and administrators will

• study the three components of the standards-based mindset that are reforming traditional grading practices
• debunk five myths about standards-based grading
• contemplate the hazards of punitive grading and discover alternative ways to manage the issue of homework
• consider reflections and grading dilemmas from teachers and administrators as well as the author, helping them grasp each chapter’s big ideas
• ponder questions that will challenge their thoughts on grading and help clarify next steps.