Types of Grading
Grading Strategies
Let’s look at a few grading practices used in schools. We will begin with the one that is probably the most widely used. For each grading practice, a list of pros and cons is provided.
A-F
This is one of the major players in classrooms all over the world. Variations abound in the point system that represents these letter grades. As you know, A to D are passing grades with A representing excellent, B good, C fair, and D poor (but passing). In my previous post, I talked about this system. A system where an ~40% spread out of 100 points represents passing levels. And, an ~60% spread from the same 100 points represents failure.
Pros
- easy to implement (Point values are assigned to each letter. Each assignment is also given point values. When the total points for an assignment are tallied, that translates to a letter grade. That letter then indicates a student’s skill with that assignment.)
- familiarity and wide usage
Cons
- you can “split hairs” with the number to letter assignment (is 89.4 or 89.5 a B+ or an A-)
- at times it can be unfair ( 60-100 points out of 100 is a passing score. But, 0-59 is failing.)
- many consider it to be an unfair system for use in lower grade levels (meaning lower elementary)
Standards Grading
With the increasing use of state, local, and national standards, a standards system of grading can be used.
For example, a quiz, test, essay, lab, or presentation… is assigned that correlates with a particular standard. The teacher grades said assignment to determine whether it fits one of these categories: Exceeds, Meets, Not Meeting.
“Exceeds” and “Meets” means that the student has met the instructors, schools, and/or systems criteria for that standard.
Pros
- Students know where they stand on each standard
- Simple Grading (easy for teacher)
- Cuts down on time spent grading (Teachers don’t count every single activity as a standards-based criterion. They save that for the overarching assignments.)
Cons
- Setting up good standards-based assignments takes time and careful discernment
- (Once it is set up the grading becomes easier.)
Excellent-Satisfactory-Needs Improvement
Like Standards-Based practices, this grading practice uses three categories to rank student achievement. Unlike standards-based grading, it works for any student work graded by the teacher.
Pros
- Simple grading
- Cuts down on time spent grading
- Works well in lower grades
Cons
- It can be an issue for upper elementary students
- Not the best system for Middle School
- Makes no sense for High School
