Let’s get started, shall we?
So first of all, you’re probably wondering: what exactly is going gradeless?
Before we get to that, just a brief word on the word grading. Although educators in many parts of the world differentiate between the terms scoring, marking, and grading, we at Grow Beyond Grades lump all of them together in the word grading. Why? For one, it’s a pretty commonplace conflation in the United States, where we all teach. But it’s also because all three procedures involve using gradations—ergo, grades—to represent different levels of achievement. So when we sit down to score a quiz (100 gradations), mark an essay (5 or 12 or 13 gradations), or finalize a student’s grade for a course, we are grading.
And whether we use levels or numbers or marks or labels or scales or progressions or colors, students understand these as grades, which have consistently been shown (here, here, here, here, here, here, and here for starters) to have a negative impact on achievement, motivation, and the development of a growth mindset.
With the phrase going gradeless, we hope to express the idea of moving—gradually or rapidly—away from the pernicious influence of grades, and toward more humane and effective methods of assessment and feedback. The “going” is especially important because—for nearly all of us—this process is best understood as a journey.
We see the definition of gradeless as two fold:
For one, gradeless can mean grading less, that is, limiting the impact of grades within current constraints. These teachers avoid harmful practices such as assessments with no opportunity to redo or zeroes on the mathematically disproportionate 100-point scale.
Gradeless can also mean without grades, that is, avoiding the damaging and demotivating effects of grades entirely. These teachers forgo grades in favor of feedback and growth. Some may even work in schools that have replaced traditional report cards altogether, using portfolios and descriptive evaluations instead.
It is not uncommon to see gradeless teachers as somewhere between these two. Wherever you find yourself, you’re in the right place!
Here’s a quick tour of what we have to offer:
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Blog
Each month, educators from all different subject areas and levels write pieces sharing their experiences, expertise, and research around gradeless learning. Discover articles on everything from assessment practices to pedagogy.
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Podcast
The Grow Beyond Grades podcast hosts conversations with educators who challenge the culture of grading and testing in schools. Find timely, practical advice from educators who are deemphasizing grades and putting the focus on feedback and growth.
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Events
From time to time, we host online Community Gatherings, giving us a chance to meet with one another and reflect on our successes and struggles, especially ones that relate the month’s theme.
Never miss a thing!
With the whole social media ecosystem “in flux” (pardon the euphemism), we need a reliable way to stay in touch! The best way is with our newsletter, “The Gradeless Learner.” Every week or so, we’ll send you a thought-provoking email packed with ideas, frameworks, and fresh perspectives on assessment, feedback, and the like. We’ll also update you about all the haps around GBG, including new blog posts, podcasts, and upcoming events. Most of all, we hope to provide inspiration and actionable steps to continue your gradeless journey. Sign up below and get started!
