Today, Ken O’Connor joins us on the show as we expound on standards-based grading & reporting.
Ken is an independent consultant specializing in issues related to grading & reporting. He helps individuals, schools, and districts improve communication about student achievement.
In the session, Ken talks about his passion for standards-based grading for about 27 years, improvements over the years, and why high schools have a long way to go in standard-based grading, unlike other grade levels. He also delves into the importance of moderation in schools, ways to communicate student achievement & a life-changing experience that inspired his career.
Ultimately he advises teachers to focus on standard-based grading, unlike assessment-based methods, using levels of proficiency, not points or percentages, and separating behaviors from students' achievement!
Tune in for more insights!
[00:40] A few housekeeping items
[01:14] Introducing today’s guest, Ken O’Connor
[02:25] What led Ken to his passion for standard-based grading & reporting
[05:43] Improvement in standard-based grading over the years
[06:25] Why High Schools still have a long way to go in terms of standard-based grading
[11:44] How teachers can prepare better in defending whatever communication they send to parents in respect of student’s grades or progress
[14:25] Importance of moderation in schools
[15:20] Ken’s dream of standard-based grading in schools
[17:28] Whether markings or numbers are appropriate at any levels
[20:11] Ken’s favorite authors
[22:52] Most inspiring moment in Ken’s career
[24:26] Advice for teachers having difficulties with standard-based grading
[26:33] What got Ken started his career with International Schools
[30:06] How to connect with Ken
Mentioned Books
● http://www.planteachassess.com/books
● https://books.apple.com/us/author/matthew-g-springer/id452819927
● https://www.amazon.com/Student-Self-Assessment-Notebooks-Portfolios-Learning/dp/1952812852
Let’s Connect
Connect with Ken O’Connor on;
● Twitter: https://twitter.com/kenoc7
● Website: https://www.oconnorgrading.com/
● Email: kenoc@aol.com
Connect with Dr. Dana Specker Watts on;
● Twitter: https://twitter.com/teachwatts
Connect with Mike Pierre on;
● Twitter: https://twitter.com/Ayitis_SigmaMan
More resources
● Head over to iss.edu/events to see future PD's that ISS is offering for the SY 22-23.
● Join the Diversity Collaborative platform-https://info.iss.edu/sign-up-diversity-collaborative