After a week of diving deep into modern grading practices, experts Dr. Chad Lang and Dr. Matt Townsley deliver the most impactful leadership behavior for navigating the inevitable "implementation dip" that comes with change. They argue that the most effective way to quiet staff and community resistance is to shift the focus back to the customer: the student. Leaders must prioritize creating opportunities for students to articulate their learning, celebrate their successes, and explain how clear, standards-based grading helps them own their learning.
The Solution: Center students in the conversation.
Key Takeaways:
The implementation dip happens when communication and confidence falter, leading to uncertainty for students and frustration for parents.
Student voice is the most potent communication tool. Leaders must actively create spaces for students to share their "before and after" stories of learning clarity.
A strong strategy is implementing student-led learning stations (rotations) that teach students directly about standards, scales, and the reassessment process.
Student understanding equals parent understanding. Use these student-facing resources (like recorded sessions) to educate the community.
You can find out more about our guests by visiting https://www.awbeducation.org/contributors-lineup. Follow their work via the links below, and pick up their book, The Parent's Guide to Grading and Reporting. Thank you for listening!
Connect with the Experts:
Dr. Chad Lang: recalibrateedservices.com or on LinkedIn.
Dr. Matt Townsley: Search "all things standards based grading" or find him on X/Blue Sky at @MCTownsley.
Got a mailbag question? Reach out to us at adam@awbeducation.org
