Making Grades Matter: Standards-Based Grading in a Secondary PLC at Work®

by Matt Townsley, Nathan L. Wear

Maximize learning by making grades more meaningful and motivating to students. With the support of this practical guide, professional learning communities (PLCs) will discover a clear road map for implementing a standards-based grading system at the secondary level. The authors provide all of the actionable ideas and tools needed to not only transition to this improved system but to achieve the greatest possible success with it.

Use this resource to help students feel engaged with their learning and increase their classroom


Study the foundational theories behind the standards-based grading system and how it interacts with and is supported by the PLC process. Learn how to use grades to effectively communicate students' mastery of learning standards. See what makes ungraded homework and independent practice a better tool to improve learning and enhance students' motivation to study. Understand the value of allowing students multiple opportunities to demonstrate their learning when taking assessments. Gain valuable insights for administrators and leaders into the multiyear journey of implementing standards-based grading.

Introduction
Chapter 1: Standards-Based Grading in a Professional Learning Community
Chapter 2: How Grades Communicate Current Levels of Learning
Chapter 3: How Homework Serves as Ungraded Practice
Chapter 4: How to Provide Students With Multiple Opportunities to Demonstrate Their Learning
Chapter 5: Criteria for Administrators and Leaders Implementing Standards-Based Grading
Conclusion
Appendix

Genres: Teaching, Nonfiction

180 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 10, 2020

Reviews

[Amber · Rating 3 out of 5]

This wasn't my favorite standards based grading books for two reasons: 1) I don't work with a PLC regularly enough to be able to implement the ideas. Our staff just isn't give the kind of time required to do all that is suggested and not enough individuals are willing to meet outside of designated time and 2.) I have already started implementing a standards based grading practice in my classroom and many of the ideas shared in this book are first steps. The ideas would be great for a group of teachers just getting started and given lots of time to collaborate, but they were too general and vague for me. I wanted something more specific for someone already implementing.

[Micah · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was used in our academic team to better understand Standards based grading. But it did not really offer any new insights into our current practice. But its an okay book if you are just now researching standards based grading.

[Anna (bibliophiles_bookstagram) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some good ideas, but with smaller districts, this may not work as well.