Rethinking Your Grading Scale - E122

02/05/2023 25 min

Listen "Rethinking Your Grading Scale - E122"

Episode Synopsis

This week, we are chatting all about the 100-point scale, why it is biased towards failure, and what we can do instead to make our grading a bit more biased-resistant.  If you like what you hear, we would love it if you could share this episode with a colleague or friend. And make sure you subscribe so that you don’t miss out on any new content! And consider supporting the show by buying us a coffee or two!We would love to hear from you – leave a comment on our website OR check out our FLIPGRID!Featured Content**For detailed show notes, please visit our website at https://edugals.com/122**Grading for Equity by Joe Feldman100-pt scale is biased towards failureZeroes disproportionately punishes studentsToo many transitions points between grades (judgement between grades is much harder)More inconsistencies of grading between teachers with 100-pt scaleTry using a scale with fewer points (0-4, 0-3, 0-5 for example)Avoid marking everything - focus on summative tasksMost recent, most consistentMinimal Scales:Decide how many transition points that you want1, 2, 3, 4, 5 point scales are all possibilitiesSingle point rubrics - criteria listed for level 3Mastery scales (yes, no)  - criteria listed for level 4 (3 attempts allowed because expectations are high)Specifications Grading - E107This is NOT watering the curriculum or grading down!Multiple attempts or replacing grades as skills progressOther suggestions:Setting a minimum grade (40 or 50%) - essentially equalizes the grade bands to make grading more equitableUsing a 4 pt scale (or something similar), you will eventually need a grade conversion chartSpecific grades - 95, 85, 75, 65, etc. - pick specific values for each levelThink about your zeroes - is it compliance or comprehension?Keep students accountable instead of using a zeroDetermining Final Grades:Eventually you will likely need to convert back to a 100-pt scaleAutomatic conversions in gradebook softwareConferencing with students (along with reflections)Most recent, most consistent - look for trendsSupport the showConnect with EduGals: Twitter @EduGals Rachel @dr_r_johnson Katie @KatieAttwell EduGals Website Support the show