How Can I Use Standards Based Grading When Policies Are Limiting - A Math Mentoring Moment

Oct 3, 2022

Anna Clark, a second-year teacher, discusses the challenges of implementing standards-based grading in a district with rigid grading policies. The podcast explores strategies for blending assessment and evaluation in a traditional grading system, emphasizing student learning over grades. Topics include personalized tracking of learning goals, translating assessments into numerical grades, and effective communication with students and parents.

Ask episode

Chapters

Transcript

Episode notes

Intro

00:00 • 5min

Teaching Math with a Focus on Understanding and Engagement

05:01 • 7min

Challenges of Teaching Students Who Excel in Math Through Memorization

11:32 • 4min

Challenges of Implementing Standards-Based Grading

15:39 • 12min

Implementing Standards-Based Grading in Math Classrooms

27:38 • 12min

Embracing Continuous Learning and Mentorship in Teaching

40:08 • 6min

Developing an Effective Mathematics Program Using a Tree Analogy

46:23 • 4min

In this episode we speak with Anna Clark all about how to fit a square peg in a round hole. Yes, we’re talking about standards based grading and rigid gradebook programs and policies.

Anna is just starting her second year and is currently teaching 8th grade. Together we develop a plan for her to take all of her formative assessment data she’s collected and fit it into her district grading program. Stick around so you can learn how too.

This is another Math Mentoring Moment episode where we talk with a member of the Math Moment Maker Community who is working through problems of practice and together we brainstorm possible next steps and strategies to overcome them.

You’ll Learn:

How to blend your assessment and evaluation approach with a rigid district grading system;
What really matters when assessing students;
How you can shift the purpose of your gradebook; and,
How you can calculate the final grade for a reporting system using standards based grading.

Resources:

Sign Up For The Make Math Moments Virtual Summit

Love the show? Text us your big takeaway!

Get a Customized Math Improvement Plan For Your District.

Are you district leader for mathematics? Take the 12 minute assessment and you’ll get a free, customized improvement plan to shape and grow the 6 parts of any strong mathematics program.

Take the assessment

Are you wondering how to create K-12 math lesson plans that leave students so engaged they don’t want to stop exploring your math curriculum when the bell rings? In their podcast, Kyle Pearce and Jon Orr—founders of MakeMathMoments.com—share over 19 years of experience inspiring K-12 math students, teachers, and district leaders with effective math activities, engaging resources, and innovative math leadership strategies. Through a 6-step framework, they guide K-12 classroom teachers and district math coordinators on building a strong, balanced math program that grows student and teacher impact. Each week, gain fresh ideas, feedback, and practical strategies to feel more confident and motivate students to see the beauty in math. Start making math moments today by listening to Episode #139: "Making Math Moments From Day 1 to 180.