Shows
The Grading Podcast108 - The Importance of Purpose: Getting Unstuck in the Course Redesign CycleIn this episode of The Grading Podcast, Sharona and Boz talk about some common reasons instructors get stuck during the process of redesigning a course. From looking again at the different parts of the course redesign cycle to exploring ways of breaking through roadblocks, join us as we take another look at the course redesign cycle. In particular, they talk about the importance of clearly defining the purpose of our course, and how that purpose impacts all aspects of your course design.LinksPlease note - any books linked here are likely Amazon Associates links...2025-08-0555 minThe Grading Podcast107 - Transitioning to Alternative Grading Can Take Time to Be Successful: The Importance of Longer Term MetricsIn this episode, Sharona and Boz explore a recent article from EdWeek in which a middle school principal shares the motivations behind a switch to standards-based grading as well as the initial failures and eventual successes of that move. Join us as we talk about the tension between short term and long term results, the "why" of the switch to alternative grading practices, and the challenges with proper measurement both inside the classroom and outside of it.LinksPlease note - any books linked here are likely Amazon Associates links. Clicking on them and purchasing...2025-08-0155 minThe Grading Podcast106 - Reflecting on a six-week summer course with Dr. Robert Talbert.In this episode, Dr. Robert Talbert returns to the pod to reflect on how his six-week summer course in discrete math went. Robert talked about this course back on episode 87 when discussing changes he was making to this course due to the impact of AI. In this conversation, Sharona and Boz discuss how it went, how the various changes worked (or didn't) and what he might keep or change moving forward. LinksPlease note - any books linked here are likely Amazon Associates links. Clicking on them and purchasing through them helps support the show...2025-07-2259 minThe Grading Podcast105 - Is Alternative Grading at a Tipping Point?In this episode, Sharona and Bosley explore the ideas from Malcolm Gladwell's iconic book The Tipping Point: How Little Things Can Make a Big Difference. During the discussion, they explore the key indicators of a tipping point and discuss how we as a community might try to intentionally move towards a tipping point into mass awareness and (hopefully) adoption.LinksPlease note - any books linked here are likely Amazon Associates links. Clicking on them and purchasing through them helps support the show. Thanks for your support!The Tipping Point: How Little Things Can...2025-07-1554 minThe Grading Podcast104: Ideas and Recommendations for Iterating Through the Course Redesign CycleIt's Summertime! And how to teachers and instructors often spend their summers? Why, reworking their courses, correct? In this episode, Sharona and Boz share their thoughts, ideas, and recommendations for working through the course redesign cycle and iteratively examining your course. Whether you are newer to alt grading or have been doing it a long time, this episode contains questions and ideas to work on your course for the upcoming school year!LinksPlease note - any books linked here are likely Amazon Associates links. Clicking on them and purchasing through them helps support the...2025-07-0848 minThe Grading Podcast103 - Themes and Lessons from the 2025 Grading ConferenceIn this episode, Sharona and Boz recap some of the incredible things that happened at the 2025 Grading Conference. Highlights from the keynote speakers, student voices, and conversations around the "watercooler". This conference was an incredible capstone to a fantastic year for alternative grading.LinksPlease note - any books linked here are likely Amazon Associates links. Clicking on them and purchasing through them helps support the show. Thanks for your support!Dr. Asao Inoue on episode 99Dr. Eden Tanner on episode 21Dr. Jeff Anderson on: Episode 55 and Episode 56Jeff Anderson's Resources: Keynote from the 2025...2025-07-0157 minThe Grading Podcast102 - Critical Digital Pedagogy: Thinking Critically About Grading, AI and How We Decide to Do What We Do, An Interview with Dr. Sean Michael MorrissIn this episode, Sharona and Bosley sit down for a conversation with Dr. Sean Michael Morris to talk about Critical Digital Pedagogy. What is it? How can we think critically about our grading practices? How do we think critically about AI and it's impact on our grading choices?LinksPlease note - any books linked here are likely Amazon Associates links. Clicking on them and purchasing through them helps support the show. Thanks for your support!https://www.seanmichaelmorris.com/Critical Digital Pedagogy - What Is It?ResourcesThe...2025-06-2453 minThe Grading Podcast101 - Visionary Leadership: Culture Change through Asking Questions - A 10-Year Journey to Building-Wide Grading ReformIn this episode, Sharona and Boz interview Doug Wilson, principal of Avondale High School in Michigan, about his advice on implementing building-wide grading reform. This discussion touches on ways of being a visionary leader, how to move towards culture change around grades, and advice to administrators (and teachers!) on how to question our practices with an eye towards improving kids' learning. Join us for this fascinating conversation to move forward with grading reform.LinksPlease note - any books linked here are likely Amazon Associates links. Clicking on them and purchasing through them helps support...2025-06-1750 minThe Grading Podcast100 - Getting the Band Back Together! The OGs discuss the last decade of Alt Grading and Where We See It Going Next!We made it to episode 100! Join us as we welcome back to the pod, for the first time altogether, David Clark, Kate Owens, and Robert Talbert! With Sharona and Boz we made up the original organizing team for the 2020 Grading Conference. We talk about the journey getting to here, and where we see things going (and what we hope to see) in the next 10 years! ResourcesThe Center for Grading Reform - seeking to advance education in the United States by supporting effective grading reform at all levels through conferences, educational workshops, professional development, research...2025-06-101h 04The Grading Podcast99 - Challenging Grading as a System: Labor-Based Grading in Rhetoric and Composition, An Interview with Asao InoueIn this episode, Sharona and Bosley sit down with Dr. Asao Inoue, the opening keynote speaker of the 2025 Grading Conference, to discuss his use of Labor-Based Grading in the teaching of writing. Exploring everything from negotiating a grading contract with students to intentionally discussing creating a culture of compassion in the classroom, this fascinating conversation is a great opportunity to think about our classrooms in new ways.LinksBooks from the WAC Clearinghouse are free to access in PDF and ePUB formats.Labor-Based Grading Contracts: Building Equity and Inclusion in the Compassionate Writing Classroom, 2...2025-06-031h 03The Grading Podcast98 - Sessions and Topics and Toolkits - oh my!!! Previewing the 2025 Grading Conference with the Conference Organizing Team.In this episode, many of the organizers of this year's conference join Sharona and Bosley to preview the upcoming conference and talk about some of the community aspects of The Grading Conference. We welcome Ashleigh Fox, Jenni Momsen, Emily Pitts Donahoe, and Melanie Lenahan.LinksPlease note - any books linked here are likely Amazon Associates links. Clicking on them and purchasing through them helps support the show. Thanks for your support!In preparation for the conference, please join the Alternative Grading SlackResourcesThe Center for Grading Reform...2025-05-2753 minThe Grading Podcast97 - Distinguishing Different Letter Grades: The Three Hurdles ModelIn this episode, Sharona and Bosley discuss different ways to look at the grade wrap up portion of the grading architecture as it relates to learning outcomes as well as assessments. They discuss the well known "more hurdles, higher hurdles" metaphor but expand it into three different types of hurdles instead of the two we have used previously. From different learning outcomes, to different proficiency scale levels, to different levels of difficulty of problems on assessment, there are many way to distinguish an "A" from a "B" from a "C". Also, a preview of some of the sessions at...2025-05-2059 minThe Grading Podcast96 - Alt Grading and Administrators: Supporting Teachers and Getting Support from AdminIn this week's episode, Sharona and Bosley dive into some of the details, nuances, similarities and differences regarding the role of administrators in the implementation of alternative grading practices. We talk about what administrators can do to support alternative grading efforts, how to talk to administrators, and the similarities and differences in the roles of administrators in K-12 versus Higher Ed.LinksPlease note - any books linked here are likely Amazon Associates links. Clicking on them and purchasing through them helps support the show. Thanks for your support!How to talk with administrators...2025-05-1358 minThe Grading Podcast95 - Standards Based Reporting and Grading at the Elementary School LevelIn this episode, Sharona and Bosley look at some of the challenges that elementary school face when considering standards based reporting and standards based grading. From issues with consistency between instructors to the differences between communicating with parents versus communicating with students. Join us in this discussion as we look at the importance of grading in elementary school.LinksPlease note - any books linked here are likely Amazon Associates links. Clicking on them and purchasing through them helps support the show. Thanks for your support!A Parents' Guide to Grading and Reporting: Being...2025-05-0657 minThe Grading Podcast94 - Replay: The Human Impact of our Assessments on Students, What story do your assessments tell about a student? An Interview with Sean NankPlease enjoy this replay of episode 20 from November 2023.Coming to you from the California Mathematics Council - South annual conference, Sharona and Bosley sit down for a wonderful conversation with Dr. Sean Nank. Sean is an adjunct professor at California State University San Marcos, a full professor at the American College of Education, as well as a high school math teacher in the Oceanside Unified School District. Sean is also a recipient of the Persidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching.In this incredible conversation, we talk with Sean about the human impact...2025-04-3058 minThe Grading Podcast93 - The Importance of Understanding AI as an Instructor in Order to Comprehend It's Impact on Your Students and Your GradingSharona and Bosley sit down this week to talk with Jennifer Martinez-Montes about her work on professional development surrounding AI for instructors. Jennifer is a 9th grade English teacher at Santee Education Complex in the Los Angeles Unified School District. She is currently researching the impact of AI on teachers and the opportunities for effective use of AI in lesson planning, differentiation, and other areas of a teacher's responsibilities. In this conversation, we explore the need for instructors to understand AI, its opportunities and issues impacting our work as educators, as we try to determine the impact on students...2025-04-221h 04The Grading Podcast92 - Researching Grading Reform: Building the Evidence to Change the SystemIn this episode, Sharona and Boz dive into what research around grading reform might look like. From the types of studies to the areas of interest and some options for focus. We look at what's been done, what's missing, and how the Center for Grading Reform is planning to launch a new initiative to build a national network of researchers focused on grading system.LinksPlease note - any books linked here are likely Amazon Associates links. Clicking on them and purchasing through them helps support the show. Thanks for your support!The Compentency...2025-04-1542 minThe Grading Podcast91 - Feedback: Improving How We Give It and How Students Use ItThis week we welcome Joe Zeccola back to the podcast. In this episode, Sharona, Boz and Joe look at how we give feedback, how students use it, and how we make both the giving of feedback and the student use of feedback easier, more useful, and more in line with our goals for our students. LinksPlease note - any books linked here are likely Amazon Associates links. Clicking on them and purchasing through them helps support the show. Thanks for your support!Instructional Feedback: The Power, the Promise, the Practice 1st Edition, by...2025-04-081h 01The Grading Podcast90 - Building a Community of Practice AND Even MORE Misuse of Mathematics!!!!!!In this week's episode, Sharona and Boz sit down with Caroline Cormier and Françoise Arseneault-Hubert to discuss the movement towards alt grading in Quebec. Beginning with a description of the CEGEP system (pronounced say-ghep) that serves as a bridge between K-11 education and university/technical tracks we then explore how Caroline and Françoise have built a multi-institutional, multi-discipline community of practice. With over 40 regular participants, this CoP meets regularly to share experiences with alt grading, give best practices, and supporting each other. Then we dive into some of the intricacies of final grades in the CE...2025-04-0158 minThe Grading Podcast89 - AI and CheckIt: Tools and Methods for Gathering Evidence of Learning (Making Assessment Writing Easier)This week Sharona and Boz share some ideas, tools and methods for making assessment writing easier including AI, CheckIt (programmable assessment generation) and intentional alignment of content and assessments. LinksPlease note - any books linked here are likely Amazon Associates links. Clicking on them and purchasing through them helps support the show. Thanks for your support!CheckItChatGPTGemini (Google AI)ResourcesThe Center for Grading Reform - seeking to advance education in the United States by supporting effective grading reform at all levels through conferences, educational workshops, professional development, research...2025-03-2553 minThe Grading Podcast88 - Unearned Grades: Remaking the Conversation about Grade "Inflation"DescriptionIn this episode, Sharona and Bosley tackle the conversation about "Grade Inflation". A commonly used term that is rarely defined, we look at what the "problem" is with grade "inflation", how we would define grade "inflation" (as well as grade "deflation") and how to address it when it is leveled as a potential problem with alternative grading.LinksPlease note - any books linked here are likely Amazon Associates links. Clicking on them and purchasing through them helps support the show. Thanks for your support!Why grade inflation is spreading from...2025-03-1854 minThe Grading Podcast87 - The Impact of AI on Alternative Grading: Talking with Dr. Robert TalbertDescriptionIn this episode we welcome back to the pod Dr. Robert Talbert. A mathematics professor at Grand Valley State University, author of books on Flipped Learning and Grading for Growth, Robert joins us to discuss his struggles with the increasing use of AI tools in his alternatively graded classes and how he is revising his courses to adjust. We discuss the threats and opportunities AI poses for an alternatively graded class and consider some thoughts about the future of education in an age of AI.LinksPlease note - any books linked...2025-03-111h 01The Grading Podcast86 - Traditional Grading Revisited: Deficiencies and BeliefsDescriptionIn this episode, Sharona and Bosley look at some new(ish) literature about traditional grades in a more professional setting - Pharmacy Education. If the ultimate goal of many degree programs is to get a professional degree or license, what is being done with grading at that level and how might we leverage those choices earlier in the educational system. We explore in different ways the deficiencies with traditional grading as well as the beliefs instructors have that support the use of traditional grading.LinksPlease note - any books linked here...2025-03-0453 minThe Grading Podcast84 - Standards Based Grading in Engineering, A Method for Focusing on Learning - an interview with Dr. Corin BowenDescriptionIn this episode, Sharona and Bosley talk with Dr. Corin Bowen, an Engineering Education researcher and assistant professor in the Civil Engineering department at California State University Los Angeles. We talk about student motivation and engagement, the opportunities that standards-based grading has provided Dr. Bowen's students, and what it was link to come in to a course that had already been redesigned to use standards-based grading as a new instructor. Join us as we talk grading structures, critical pedagogy, the power of undergraduate instructional student assistants and so much else.ResourcesThe...2025-02-181h 04The Grading Podcast83 - Starting the Conversation About Grading with Others Before They Realize You Are Talking About GradingJoin us as we explore small ways to open a conversation about grading with other people, without them necessarily realizing that its a conversation about grading. In this episode, Sharona and Bosley talk about 7 ways you can crack the door open on grading. Everything from using the four pillars to finding common ground and discussing why we teach. If we listen carefully, there are more ways than we realize to turn small moments of opportunity into larger conversations. LinksPlease note - any books linked here are likely Amazon Associates links. Clicking on them and...2025-02-111h 00The Grading Podcast82 - The Impact of Retakes - MORE results are in! Also, get ready for the 2025 Grading Conference!We're finally seeing some results from all the work that this community has been putting in! In this episode, Sharona and Bosley dive in to newly published research about the impact of "second-chance quizzes" on students' perceptions of self-determination. We also dive in to the impact of retakes on student success in Precalculus.Additionally, registration, volunteer opportunities, and abstract submissions are all available for the 2025 Grading Conference!LinksPlease note - any books linked here are likely Amazon Associates links. Clicking on them and purchasing through them helps support the show. Thanks for...2025-02-0558 minThe Grading Podcast81 - The role of DBER in researching the impact of Alternative Grading Practices, an interview with Dr. Jenny MomsenIn this episode, Sharona and Bosley talk with Dr. Jenny Momsen, faculty member in the department of Biological Sciences at North Dakota State University and head of the Discipline-Based Education Research Ph.D. program. Jenny is one of the organizers of The Grading Conference and actively researches the impact of alternative grading on students ability to learn and integrate their knowledge about complex biological systems.LinksPlease note - any books linked here are likely Amazon Associates links. Clicking on them and purchasing through them helps support the show. Thanks for your support!Alternative...2025-01-281h 00The Grading Podcast80: The Results are IN! Traditional Grading and Alternative Grading Went HEAD TO HEAD!!! What happened?In this episode, Sharona and Bosley share some of the top line results of a direct comparison between traditional grading and alternative grading. In a tightly coordinated course with many instructors, sections and students, half of the sections used traditional grading and half used alternative grading. This is a fascinating dive into what does "traditional" grading mean, and how do those impacts show up in the classroom. Please note - at the time of this recording we are still dealing with the ongoing fires in Los Angeles. If you are interested in helping, there are links before...2025-01-211h 01The Grading Podcast79 - Reaching Critical Mass: A Schoolwide Implementation of Alt Grading, How Feedback changes Student Interactions, and Other Tidbits from Phil StringerIn this episode, Sharona and Bosley have a wide-ranging conversation with Phil Stringer, Head of Mathematics at the Crofton House School in Vancouver, BC. From starting standards-based grading with AP Calculus BC to leading a schoolwide implementation of standards-based grading, Phil shares a variety of experiences and things he has learned through helping instructors switch to a standards-based grading model.LinksPlease note - any books linked here are likely Amazon Associates links. Clicking on them and purchasing through them helps support the show. Thanks for your support!Crofton House SchoolPhil Stringer, LinkedInMake It...2025-01-1459 minThe Grading Podcast78 - Looking more at Proficiency Scales - Doing "Bee" Work: An Interview with Patrick MorrissIt has finally happened!! We have found an instructor who uses emoji's MORE than Sharona does!! Join us as we talk with Patrick Morriss, professor of Mathematics at Foothill College about his proficiency scales and grading system in Higher Ed Math. LinksPlease note - any books linked here are likely Amazon Associates links. Clicking on them and purchasing through them helps support the show. Thanks for your support!Patrick's Qualitative Grading SystemThe 5 Lemon Sheet - Daily CheckinResourcesThe Center for Grading Reform - seeking to advance education in...2025-01-0757 minThe Grading Podcast76 - Happy Holidays! A Replay of Our First Interview with Dr. Matt Towsnley - the Sportscaster of Alternative GradingHappy Holidays 2024!!! Please enjoy this replay of one of our favorite interviews with Dr. Matt Townsley!Dr. Matt Townsley is an assistant professor of educational leadership at the University of Northern Iowa and a former district adminstrator and high school math teacher. In addition to being an accomplished faculty coach and author of many books about Alternative Grading, Matt also has the distinction of having presented the highest energy presentation ever done at The Grading Conference, earning him the distinctive moniker of "The Sportscaster of Alternative Grading". Join Matt, Sharona and Bosley on this energetic, wonderfully inspirational...2024-12-241h 03The Grading Podcast75 - Failing Our Future: How Grades Harm Students and What We Can Do About It: An Interview with Dr. Josh EylerIn this episode Sharona sits down with Dr. Josh Eyler, Director of Faculty Development at the University of Mississippi and author of the new book Failing our Future: How Grades Harm Students and What We Can Do About It. Join us as we talk about the book, about change efforts at the classroom, department, college and institutional levels, and what individual instructors can do to lead change efforts.LinksPlease note - any books linked here are likely Amazon Associates links. Clicking on them and purchasing through them helps support the show. Thanks for your...2024-12-1755 minThe Grading Podcast74 - Exploring Alt Grading in Physical Education (in more detail) with Josh OgilvieAnother deep conversation about alt grading in Physical Education, including the details! Join us as Sharona and Bosley talk about alt grading with Josh Ogilvie, a listener and a 22 year high school PE teacher in Canada. LinksPlease note - any books linked here are likely Amazon Associates links. Clicking on them and purchasing through them helps support the show. Thanks for your support!PHE CanadaRebooting Assessment: A Practical Guide for Balancing Conversations, Performances, and Products (How to Establish Performance-Based, Balanced Assessment in the Classroom) by Damien CooperContact Josh Ogilvie:@j...2024-12-1059 minThe Grading Podcast72 - Off the Mark - an Interview with author Dr. Jack SchneiderJoin Sharona and Bosley as we talk to Dr. Jack Schneider, one of the co-authors of the book "Off the Mark: How Grades, Ratings, and Rankings Undermine Learning (but Don’t Have To)". In this engaging conversation, we explore the origins of the book, discuss the authors' purpose in writing it, and continue to explore the ways in which current grading practices hurt student learning and how important changes can be made to improve things.LinksOff the Mark: How Grades, Ratings, and Rankings Undermine Learning (but Don’t Have To) by Dr. Jack Schneider and Dr...2024-11-261h 02The Grading Podcast71 - False Signals: The Mismatch Between Grades and LearningIn this episode, Sharona and Bosley look at what some of the complications are when there is a mismatch between grades and actual learning. Based on some research coming out about grades not matching up with other measures such as standardized tests, we explore the ways in which grading schemes (both traditional and in some cases alternative grading schemes) can unintentionally cause miscommunication between teachers, schools, students and districts.LinksPlease note - any books linked here are likely Amazon Associates links. Clicking on them and purchasing through them helps support the show. Thanks for...2024-11-1957 minThe Grading Podcast69 - Thinking Critically about Homework’s Role In Alternative GradingLet's discuss the role of homework (or other effort pieces of learning) in an Alternatively Graded course in more depth. In this episode, Sharona and Boz look at a recent research study about the inclusion or exclusion of a "homeworK' grade in the grading architecture of a high school geometry class and the impact it had on student completion of homework as well as their final grades. We distinguish between "product", "progress", and "process" grades and discuss their potential roles in different types of courses.LinksPlease note - any books linked here are likely...2024-11-0556 minThe Grading Podcast68 - Busting 4 Common "Myths" about Alternative GradingWe've all heard them! The "criticisms" about alternative grading practices that don't seem quite "right" but are hard to debunk in the moment. This is the episode where Sharona and Bosley take on some common myths and misconceptions about alternative grading, as well as look at some of the history driving how the things behind the myths came to be a part of our grading systems.LinksPlease note - any books linked here are likely Amazon Associates links. Clicking on them and purchasing through them helps support the show. Thanks for your support!...2024-10-3055 minThe Grading Podcast67 - "Hybrid" Alternative Grading Systems: The Interplay Between Assessing Discrete Skills and More Holistic SkillsIn this episode, Joe Zeccola joins Sharona and Bosley to discuss the interplay between discrete skills and more "holistic" skills, primarily in the discipline of writing. Utilizing some questions asked by Dr. Emily Pitts Donahoe in a recent blog post about Rhetorical Analysis, Joe, Sharona and Bosley explore the balance between assessing discrete individual skills and assessing more holistic processes and how that might play into the design of an alternatively graded course.LinksPlease note - any books linked here are likely Amazon Associates links. Clicking on them and purchasing through them helps support...2024-10-221h 01The Grading Podcast66 - Perseverance as a Critical Skill for Student Success in Alt GradingIn this episode, Sharona and Bosley discuss student perseverance and how we might effectively help build it in our students. Looking at several research articles and providing concrete examples of ways to build student skills, join us in exploring what we can do to help students understand how they can help themselves succeed.LinksPlease note - any books linked here are likely Amazon Associates links. Clicking on them and purchasing through them helps support the show. Thanks for your support!On Perseverance in the Classroom, by Eric Toshalis, Ph.D.Persistence Makes the...2024-10-151h 03The Grading Podcast65 - Alt Grading in Physical Education, Canadian Grading Reforms, and Technology-Integrated Assessment: An Interview with Colin MadlandIn this episode Sharona and Bosley sit down with Colin Madland, a listener of the podcast from Canada. Colin wrote us in response to a request on a previous episode to learn more about what is going on in Canada. In addition to sharing about the state of Alternative Grading in Canada, Colin also shared his expertise as a Ph.D. candidate in education technology whose research is in technology integrated assessment. He is also a former high school physical education teacher, so we get to explore alt grading in a discipline that was new to both Sharona and...2024-10-0859 minThe Grading Podcast64 - What Doing Alt Grading is Like as a Brand New Teacher: An Interview with Mariah MullerIn this episode, Sharona and Bosley speak with Mariah Muller, an English teacher at Santee Education Complex in the Los Angeles Unified School District. Mariah works with Bosley at his school and is in her second year of teaching. In this interview, we explore what it is like to start your teaching career from the beginning using alternative grading practices, and what Mariah's experience with grading has been like as she adapts to being a new teacher. We also thought that this would be an interesting contrast with last week's episode about a long term teacher who teaches new...2024-10-011h 03The Grading Podcast63 - Alternative Grading in a Math for Elementary Teachers Course: An Interview with Dr. Mary ReevesIn this episode, Sharona and Bosley interview one of their former students. Dr. Mary Reeves took the MAA OPEN Math intensive training on "Redesigning Your Course for Mastery Grading" in the summer of 2023. Subsequently, she redesigned two of the math content courses for future Elementary and Middle School Math teachers. Join us to hear about Mary's experiences working with, and impacting, future teachers.LinksPlease note - any books linked here are likely Amazon Associates links. Clicking on them and purchasing through them helps support the show. Thanks for your support!Random Thoughts on...2024-09-241h 01The Grading Podcast61 - (Replay) Interim Grades with Joe ZeccolaDue to technical difficulties we were unable to record a new episode this week. Therefore, please enjoy this timely replay. Many institutions require instructors to provide "interim" or "midterm" grades. How does this work with an alternatively graded class? In this episode, co-hosts Sharona and Bosley are once again joined by nationally board certified English teacher Joe Zeccola to discuss the practice of providing middle-of-the-term grades to students and other stakeholders. In addition to interim grades, we also discuss how redesigning your grading practices can have a profound impact on teaching practices throughout a classroom....2024-09-101h 04The Grading Podcast60 - The Role of Depth of Knowledge (DOK) in Aligning Assessments to Learning Outcomes: An Interview with Erik FrancisToday on the podcast Sharona and Bosley sit down with Erik Francis. An international author, educator, presenter and professional development provider, Erik has over 30 years of experience in education. He has written a number of books and blogs on Depth of Knowledge, Inquirying Questions, and other topics. In this conversation, we take a deeper look at Depth of Knowledge and how it might be used to allow us to better align our assessments with our Learning Outcomes.LinksPlease note - any books linked here are likely Amazon Associates links. Clicking on them and purchasing...2024-09-031h 16The Grading Podcast59 - Leaning Into ROI and Communication in Leading Grading Reform: An Interview with Dr. Chad LangIn this episode, Sharona and Bosley interview Dr. Chad Lang, the Assistant Superintendent of School Improvement at Glenwood Community School District in Iowa. Through our conversation we explore the various ways in which communication plays an important role in the impact grading reform can have on a community, a school, and a student population as well as how intentionally aligning hiring practices to your institutional values can support these efforts. We then explore the ROI of LinksPlease note - any books linked here are likely Amazon Associates links. Clicking on them and purchasing through...2024-08-2759 minThe Grading Podcast58 - Authentic Assessment in the Age of AI: Diving into the Literature on Authentic AssessmentThe introduction of easily accessible large language models has reverberated through academic at all levels. For practitioners of alternative grading this has impacted in two major areas:Are the assessments we are asking students to do providing legitimately valid evidence of learning? (Or do they reflect students utilizing an LLM or other outside resource such as Chegg or Brainly)We are seeing student engagement levels drop precipitously in both higher education and PK-12.In this episode, Sharona and Bosley explore some of the research about how to make assessments that engage learners in both developing and...2024-08-2058 minThe Grading Podcast55 - Alternative Grading as a Healing Process Part 1 of 2: Exploring the Harmful Wordviews that Undergird the Letter Grading System, an Interview with Dr. Jeff AndersonIn this, our first two-part episode on The Grading Podcast, Sharona and Bosley speak with Dr. Jeff Anderson, a community college math professor who has been thinking and writing about alternative assessment practices since at least March 2021. This interview was so interesting and nuanced we just couldn't fit it into a single hour! Join us for a in-depth personal and professional journey about the impact grades had personally on Jeff and how he utilizes his lived experience to work towards a more just educational system and changes to our grading practices. LinksPlease note...2024-07-3055 minThe Grading Podcast54 - Reflections on the 2024 Grading Conference with Ashleigh Fox and Drew LewisNow that we are a few weeks out from the 2024 Grading Conference, Sharona sits down with two of the organizers (and repeat guests on the pod) Dr. Ashleigh Fox and Dr. Drew Lewis. Hear about some of the highlights of the conference for each of them, as well as what they hope to achieve with next year's conference.ResourcesThe Grading Conference - an annual, online conference exploring Alternative Grading in Higher Education & K-12.Some great resources to educate yourself about Alternative Grading:The Grading for Growth BlogThe Grading ConferenceThe Intentional Academia...2024-07-2332 minThe Grading Podcast53 - Reflections on One Year of The Grading Podcast: Lessons Learned and Goals for the Upcoming YearIn this episode Sharona and Bosley reflect on one year of The Grading Podcast. From memorable moments and guests to LinksPlease note - any books linked here are likely Amazon Associates links. Clicking on them and purchasing through them helps support the show. Thanks for your support!Grading Podcast Episodes mentioned in this episode (in the order they are mentioned):6 – The Anatomy of a Learning Outcome: An Interview with Joe Zeccola13 – Interim Grades: What do we do when we have to report “grades” in the middle of a term? With Joe Zeccola3...2024-07-1649 minThe Grading Podcast52 - Progress Tracking: Communicating with Students to Encourage Learning and Promote Buy-InA common pushback that practitioners of alternative grading get is that students "don't know how they are doing". In this episode, Sharona and Bosley take a hard look at progress tracking and communicating progress to students. We include a variety of examples of progress trackers provided by several different alternative graders and talk about the ways in which progress tracking is important, regardless of the grading system in use.LinksPlease note - any books linked here are likely Amazon Associates links. Clicking on them and purchasing through them helps support the show. Thanks for...2024-07-0954 minThe Grading Podcast51 - Reflecting on Standards-Based Grading with Joe Zeccola and Ashleigh FoxIn this episode, Joe Zeccola and Dr. Ashleigh Fox join Sharona and Bosley as we look at a critique of standards-based grading written from someone in the trenches, already working in alternative grading. We discuss many of the main points of the article as a way of self-reflecting on our practices as we explore this world of alternative grading. LinksPlease note - any books linked here are likely Amazon Associates links. Clicking on them and purchasing through them helps support the show. Thanks for your support!We Need to Talk About Standards-Based Grading...2024-07-021h 01The Grading Podcast50 - How we quadrupled our pass rate: Lessons learned from Redesigning Precalculus, An Interview with Dr. Latrice BowmanIn this episode, Sharona and Bosley speak with Dr. Latrice Bowman, a mathematics faculty member from the University of Alaska, Fairbanks. Latrice took the MAA OPEN intensive training on redesigning a course to use alternative grading and is back to talk about her first two times running the redesigned course. She shares lessons learned and changes made. We talk about reducing the number of learning outcomes, progress tracking, students conferences and so much more. Oh - and the result? A quadrupling of the pass rate from pre-calculus through first semester calculus.This is another great example of the process...2024-06-251h 01The Grading Podcast49 - Teaching and Assessing Writing - Ungrading, AI and a LOT of Rethinking: an Interview with Emily Pitts DonahoeIn this episode, Sharona and Bosley talk with Dr. Emily Pitts Donahoe about teaching writing in a world where ungrading is the system and AI exists. Emily is the Associate Director of Instruction Support at the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning as well as a lecturer in writing and rhetoric at the University of Mississippi. She is also one of the organizers of the 2024 Grading Conference. This conversation explores some of the research on grades and motivation, and then continues our exploration into the new thinking that many of us in the alt grading world are doing...2024-06-181h 00The Grading Podcast47 - Taking Alternative Grading With You: An Interview with Dr. Rachel WeirIn this episode we talk with Dr. Rachel Weir. Dr. Weir is a Professor of Mathematics at Allegheny College in Meadville, PA. She has been the Director of Faculty Development at Allegheny College for the past few years and is currently (as of when this episode was recorded) the new interim Associate Provost at Allegheny College. We talk with Rachel about her journey into alternative grading, how that has impacted her work as the Director of Faculty Development and how she is thinking about the impact of alternative grading from the perspective of her new job as Interim Associate...2024-06-0451 minThe Grading Podcast46 - Extinguishing the Fires within Assessment and Grading Reform: Welcoming Back Dr. Matt TownsleyOn this episode we welcome back the "sportscaster" of Alternative Grading, Dr. Matt Townsley, to talk about his new book Extinguishing the Fires within Assessment and Grading Reform. As Alternative Grading practices grow and take shape throughout the United States, efforts to resist these reforms are also growing. This incredible new book offers practical guidance to navigating the complexities of transitioning to alternative grading architectures and how to address the seemingly inevitable pushback that many of us are now experiencing. Based on the lived experiences of the authors, this book is a MUST READ for anyone concerned about advocating...2024-05-2857 minThe Grading Podcast45 - Exploring the schedule for the 2024 Grading ConferenceJoin us as we explore some of the sessions at the upcoming Grading Conference! Sharona and Bosley share some details of the newly released schedule for the Grading Conference, as well as discuss which ones they would really like to attend.LinksPlease note - any books linked here are likely Amazon Associates links. Clicking on them and purchasing through them helps support the show. Thanks for your support!The Grading ConferenceResourcesThe Grading Conference - an annual, online conference exploring Alternative Grading in Higher Education & K-12....2024-05-2150 minThe Grading Podcast44 - Artificial Intelligence And Alt Grading: Challenges and OpportunitiesIf you base your grades on "authentic assessment of student work", then what do you do when technology catches up to the point where AI can do BETTER work than your students? And what about AI that can help the instructor do better work? Better feedback, easier workloads? In this episode, Sharona and Bosley share some initial thoughts and resources on how AI is going to impact the Alt Grading world. Come help start the conversation about authentic assessment and look at the potential benefits of AI as well.LinksPlease note...2024-05-1459 minThe Grading Podcast43 - Alt Grading as a Team: Course Coordination, PLCs, course teams - how to do this together!In this episode, Sharona and Bosley discuss some of the details of how to manage doing alternatively grading as a team. Given the extremely personal nature of grading, what are some of the steps needed to allow for personalization in an environment that is designed to have all the course sections be closely aligned. LinksPlease note - any books linked here are likely Amazon Associates links. Clicking on them and purchasing through them helps support the show. Thanks for your support!Learning by Doing, 4th Edition, Richard Dufour, Et. Al.PLC+: Better Decisions...2024-05-0754 minThe Grading Podcast42 - Metacognition, Power Structures in the Classroom, what is reasonable to expect of students? An Interview with Dr. Theresa Gaines.In this episode, Sharona and Boz sit down with Dr. Theresa Gaines (Gath) to talk about how they think about metacognition and power structures in the classroom. Having introduced ungrading in their previous institution, Gath shares how they are using ungrading and the principles of ungrading to address power structures in the classroom in their new institution. We also talk about metacognition, the level of work it is for students, and ways in which we, as instructors, might help students learn to effectively think about their own thinking.LinksPlease note - any books linked...2024-04-3055 minThe Grading Podcast41 - Second Chance Grading: How Small, Gentle Approach to Changing Grading Led to Research Into Alt GradingIn this episode, Sharona and Bosley sit down with Dr. Brie Tripp and Dr. Rob Furrow, both from the University of California, Davis. Brie and Rob share their fascinating foray into introducing "second-chance grading" into their classes. They also share how this introduction led them into a research project with very interesting connections to Self-Determination Theory as a theoretical framework for evaluating the impact of Alternative Grading Practices. LinksPlease note - any books linked here are likely Amazon Associates links. Clicking on them and purchasing through them helps support the show. Thanks for your...2024-04-2359 minThe Grading Podcast40 - Data-Driven Instruction: Using Learning Outcome Data to Talk with Students, Instructors, and AdministratorsIn this episode, Sharona and Bosley go into more depth about how tracking student progress on learning outcomes can provide a wealth of data to use in supporting students, improving course designs, and communicating with administrators. LinksPlease note - any books linked here are likely Amazon Associates links. Clicking on them and purchasing through them helps support the show. Thanks for your support!How Alternative Grading Helps Me Support Struggling Students, by David ClarkResourcesThe Grading Conference - an annual, online conference exploring Alternative Grading in Higher Education...2024-04-1653 minThe Grading Podcast39 - Systemic Change - A Look at how Los Angeles Unified School District developed their new grading policy, based on Equitable Grading practices. With Joe ZeccolaIn February 2024, with very little fanfare, Los Angeles Unified School District introduced a new grading policy, the first update since 2005. Based in Equitable Grading and Instruction principles, this new policy recommends that teachers to use equitable grading practices and states that grades should reflect student proficiency in learning outcomes. In this episode, Joe Zeccola joins Sharona and Bosley for a look into the process that went into crafting this new policy. This conversation provides some opportunities for reflection for school administrators thinking about doing this at a systemic level, as well as teachers who want to be change agents...2024-04-091h 01The Grading Podcast38 - Twenty+ Small Steps to Get Started with Alt Grading (Inspired by the recent blog post at Grading for Growth)A recent post on the Grading for Growth blog sparked this interesting conversation about different entry points to starting down the alt grading path. Sharona and Bosley share their favorite choices out of the twenty shared on the blog post as well as discussing some other options of their own. LinksPlease note - any books linked here are likely Amazon Associates links. Clicking on them and purchasing through them helps support the show. Thanks for your support!Grading for Growth - 20 Small Starts for Alternative Grading, Robert TalbertResources...2024-04-0252 minThe Grading Podcast37 - Introducing The Keynote Speakers for the 2024 Grading Conference plus What We're Reading!In this episode, Sharona and Bosley introduce the three keynote speakers for the 2024 Grading Conference. They then share some of the new(er) and upcoming publications in the realm of grading reform. If you are looking for something new to read and a conference to attend, this is the episode!LinksPlease note - any books linked here are likely Amazon Associates links. Clicking on them and purchasing through them helps support the show. Thanks for your support!Keeping Receipts: Thoughts on Ungrading from a Black Woman Professor, Dr. Laila McCloud, Grand Valley State...2024-03-2644 minThe Grading Podcast36 - Teaching More by Grading Less (or Differently) - an Interview with Jeff Schinske, 10 years laterIn this episode, Sharona and Bosley sit down with Jeffrey Schinske, author of the article Teaching More by Grading Less (or Differently). Jeff is a professor of biology at Foothill College, a California Community College. In 2014, Jeff co-authored the article mentioned above, which has since become a foundational article for many people who are beginning their alternative grading journey. In our conversation, we touch on why Jeff and his co-author, Dr. Kimberly Tanner, chose to write this article, how the concepts in it have played out in his own teaching over the subsequent 10 years, and where Jeff sees alternative...2024-03-1955 minThe Grading Podcast35 - An Interview with Dr. Joshua Bowman: Alternative Grading for over a decade, the Importance of Blog PostsIn this week's episode, Sharona and Bosley sit down with Dr. Joshua Bowman, mathematics professor at Pepperdine in California. Join us as we explore how the seeds sown through a blog over ten years old has had lasting impact on faculty and students, as well as our entire grading reform community.LinksPlease note - any books linked here are likely Amazon Associates links. Clicking on them and purchasing through them helps support the show. Thanks for your support!Blog posts about Alternative Grading from Joshua Bowman:The audience for our grades, June 2022My...2024-03-1251 minThe Grading Podcast34 - Standards-Based Grading and Specifications Grading: Their Similarities and DifferencesIn this episode Sharona and Bosley go deeper into the comparison between standards-based grading and specifications-based grading. Looking at the four grading architecture decisions, what looks the same and what looks different between these two systems? Join us for another great conversation about grading. AND! Registration for the Grading Conference is open. Please join us virtually in June for the 5th annual conference!LinksPlease note - any books linked here are likely Amazon Associates links. Clicking on them and purchasing through them helps support the show. Thanks for your support!American Society for...2024-03-0550 minThe Grading Podcast33 - An Interview with Dr. Thomas Guskey: A Journey through the History of Grading Reform EffortsWe are so very excited to be joined this week by Dr. Thomas Guskey, one of the pioneers in the area of grading reform and a huge inspiration to so many of us in this community. Join us for this extremely fun episode where we talk with Dr. Guskey about studying with Dr. Benjamin Bloom (of Bloom's Taxonomy fame) and his early work with Mastery Learning in the Chicago Public Schools. We also explore the last five decades of research into grading reform efforts, and what it takes to get people to change their grading systems.Links2024-02-271h 06The Grading Podcast32 - Active Learning and Alternative Grading: When Intentional Pedagogy and Intentional Assessment Truly AlignOn this week's episode, Sharona and Bosley speak with Dr. Theron Hitchman (TJ) about his experience with "accidentally" changing his grading while intentionally changing his classroom pedagogy to bring in Inquiry-Based Learning. Dr. Hitchman is a mathematics professor at the University of Northern Iowa. He teaches a variety of courses from upper-level Mathematics courses for majors to courses for future teachers, biologists, and physicists.His story of intentionally and transparently changing his pedagogical practices by getting colleague and administrative buy in while simultaneously changing his assessment practices "under the radar" provides an interesting look at how pedagogy...2024-02-201h 03The Grading Podcast31 -The Role of "Effort" or "Work" in an Alternative Grading Architecture and the Relationship with Due DatesTwo of the most frequent questions that come up when introducing instructors to alternative grading are "What about homework/effort?" and "What about due dates?" In this episode, Sharona and Bosley look carefully into both of these questions. From rethinking all the "work" in your class and grading it not on time, place and manner but rather on intent to marrying that intent to your due date structures and late policies, this is another episode where we take the time to talk and think deeply about some of the unexamined components of our classrooms.Links...2024-02-1356 minThe Grading Podcast30 - Listener Request - A Deep Dive into the Weeds of our Grading ArchitectureBy your request! A listener from New York City wrote in asking us to talk in more detail about our grading systems, what we have done right, what we have messed up - so we did! Sharona and Bosley talk in detail about some of the things they each tried and what worked and what has not. Keep those requests coming!LinksPlease note - any books linked here are likely Amazon Associates links. Clicking on them and purchasing through them helps support the show. Thanks for your support!The Case Against The ZeroThe...2024-02-061h 04The Grading Podcast29 - The Current State and Future Wishes for SoTL in Alt Grading - with Dr. Drew LewisLet's discuss SoTL research! What is it, what are some of the things that have been done to apply SoTL research to Alt Grading, and where do we want to see it go? Dr. Drew Lewis returns to the pod to share his experiences with SoTL research in his classrooms. Sharona and Bosley also share some of their experiences and perspectives. If you are curious about SoTL research, we go deeper into some of the choices that we can make to do useful, effective research in support of alternative grading practices. LinksPlease note...2024-01-3053 minThe Grading Podcast28 - Developing and Using Technology Tools to Author Assessments - with Steven ClontzIn this week's episode, Dr. Steven Clontz returns to talk in more detail about creating and using open source tools to support aspects of alt grading such as authoring assessment banks to support the reattempts needed in many alt grading systems. Join us as we look at how CheckIt, Dr. Clontz's open authoring tool for assessments, developed and what path forward he sees to developing the sociotechnical infrastructure needed to better support instructors and students in the work of implementing alternatively graded classes.LinksPlease note - any books linked here are likely Amazon Associates...2024-01-241h 07The Grading Podcast27 - Developing Your Course CalendarIn this episode, Sharona and Bosley take a detailed look at what goes into developing a course calendar for an alternatively graded course. How do we schedule all those "reattempts" into a term? And what impact does that have on our organization and communication with our students?LinksPlease note - any books linked here are likely Amazon Associates links. Clicking on them and purchasing through them helps support the show. Thanks for your support!We recommend checking out the various discipline based repositories for more detailed information on what other folks have...2024-01-1651 minThe Grading Podcast26 - Active Learning and Alternative Grading: An Introduction to Team-Based Inquiry Learning with Dr. Drew Lewis and Dr. Steven ClontzWelcome to 2024! In our first new episode of the year, Sharona sits down with Drew Lewis and Steven Clontz to discuss their Team-Based Inquiry Learning project as well as other parts of the growing open resource community. We look at the integration of Alternative Grading with active and inquiry-based learning, learn about TBIL, and also delve a little bit into some of the other NSF projects coming along to support instructors in the areas of assessment, instructional design, and enhanced classroom activities.LinksPlease note - any books linked here are likely Amazon Associates links...2024-01-0945 minThe Grading Podcast25 - Happy New Year 2024! Replay - Getting Buy-inIt's the last of our replay episodes as we finish out our holiday break. As we start to think about next semester, we felt it was a good time to think about how we will begin building buy-in from the very beginning. Enjoy as we discuss options for getting buy-in with students and others.LinksPlease note - any books linked here are likely Amazon Associates links. Clicking on them and purchasing through them helps support the show. Thanks for your support!Whatever it Takes, by Richard DuFourThe SAFE Approach to Earning Buy-In, Robert...2024-01-021h 01The Grading Podcast24 - Holiday 2023: Revisiting Gathering Evidence of Learning and Developing Proficiency Scales (from Episode 7)As we continue to enjoy the holiday season, Sharona and Bosley revisit their own grading architecture decisions and discuss some things they are thinking about for the next semester. From rethinking how we collect the evidence of learning and considering how our proficiency scales impact the design of our grading architecture, semester breaks are often spent tinkering. Enjoy revisiting Episode 7 with us as we take a break from the usual day-to-day work of educators.LinksPlease note - any books linked here are likely Amazon Associates links. Clicking on them and purchasing through them helps...2023-12-2654 minThe Grading Podcast23 - Holidays 2023: Replay - Developing Your Grading ArchitectureWe're heading into the holiday break, so over the next few weeks we'll be replaying some previous episodes while adding some thoughts as we conclude the Fall semester of 2023. So enjoy your holiday break! In this episode, we describe the four decisions that make up the "Grading Architecture" of an alternatively graded course.How will you assess your learning targets?What type of proficiency scale(s) will you use?How will students show proficiency for a specific learning target? (I.e. how much evidence and of what kind to they need to provide)How will you...2023-12-1944 minThe Grading Podcast22 - Equity, Inclusion and Alt Grading in Biology: An Interview with Katie MattainiDr. Katie Mattaini is an lecturer in Biology at Tufts University. In this episode, we talk with Katie about how to think about equity and inclusion when designing a course using alt grading. Katie uses a range of alt grading practices from standards-based grading in into biology to collaborative grading (or ungrading) in an upper level Cancer Bio course. This wide ranging conversation touches on the fundamentals of course design, the need for deep thinking about the use of due dates with different student populations, and concludes with some advice for alt grading practitioners to think about when considering...2023-12-121h 05The Grading Podcast21 - Alt Grading in Large Chemistry Classes: An Interview with Dr. Eden TannerOn the podcast this week we speak with Dr. Eden Tanner, Assistant Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry at The University of Mississippi. Listen to hear about using alternative grading in the context of a 170 person general chemistry course. Eden has a fascinating take on approaching alternative grading from a research mindset, and how that led her to adopt the principles of alternative grading.LinksPlease note - any books linked here are likely Amazon Associates links. Clicking on them and purchasing through them helps support the show. Thanks for your support!The Tanner LabThe...2023-12-051h 05The Grading Podcast20 - The Human Impact of our Assessments on Students, What story do your assessments tell about a student? An Interview with Sean NankComing to you from the California Mathematics Council - South annual conference, Sharona and Bosley sit down for a wonderful conversation with Dr. Sean Nank. Sean is an adjunct professor at California State University San Marcos, a full professor at the American College of Education, as well as a high school math teacher in the Oceanside Unified School District. Sean is also a recipient of the Persidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching.In this incredible conversation, we talk with Sean about the human impact of assessments on our students and the important conversations that...2023-11-2857 minThe Grading Podcast19 - Thanksgiving 2023: Listener Feedback - Entering our Own Feedback Loop, Our First ReplayHappy Thanksgiving everyone! This is the first holiday we have taken since launching the podcast, so on this episode we're doing things a little differently!Our first segment is a response segment to some thoughtful, effective feedback that we were given from a listener. We really appreciated the time they took to write to us and we learned a lot thinking about the feedback! Also, to give us all time to take a breath and do some catch up, we are re-running our episode about the problems with traditional grading. This is a good time to re-listen...2023-11-2158 minThe Grading Podcast18 - The Sportscaster of Alternative Grading: An Interview with Matt TownsleyDr. Matt Townsley is an assistant professor of educational leadership at the University of Northern Iowa and a former district adminstrator and high school math teacher. In addition to being an accomplished faculty coach and author of many books about Alternative Grading, Matt also has the distinction of having presented the highest energy presentation ever done at The Grading Conference, earning him the distinctive moniker of "The Sportscaster of Alternative Grading". Join Matt, Sharona and Bosley on this energetic, wonderfully inspirational voyage through Matt's writings, research, and experience working with educators, students and parents across the spectrum on rethinking...2023-11-141h 02The Grading Podcast17 - An Entire School Doing Alternative Grading? Meet the Alabama School of Cyber Technology and EngineeringToday we welcome to the pod the Alabama School of Cyber Technology and Engineering. A public residential magnet high school in Alabama, this school was built from the ground up around the principles of alternative grading. In this episode, Sharona speaks with the President of ASCTE, Matt Massey, and the lead English Language Arts teacher Jessy Bryan. Join us as we discuss many of the experiences they had in launching this school, how they do alternative grading, and what recommendations they have for schools and/or districts wanting to work towards adopting alternative grading methods themselves.Links2023-11-0749 minThe Grading Podcast16 - Critiquing the Critiques: Two Recent Articles About Alternative GradingAlternative grading is getting more and more press coverage. Some of it good, some of it not so good. In this episode, Sharona and Bosley look carefully at a couple of recent articles about alternative grading and discuss whether the critiques contained in them are valid or questionable.Links to the articles discussed, and some others:No Zeros Grading is Sold as an Equity Shortcut. It's Not.Your Kids Aren't Learning: Mastery-Based Learning + Equitable Grading = FraudDebunking Myths of Standards-Based GradingSchools are adopting mastery-based grading. How does it work? (includes citations from Sharona Krinsky)Links2023-10-311h 04The Grading Podcast15 - SoTL: Alternative Grading as a Classroom Practice and a Dissertation Research Topic - an Interview with Ashleigh FoxOn this episode we welcome Ashleigh Fox. Ashleigh is a writing professor at Community College of Allegheny County in Pennsylvania, and is doing her dissertation on best practices in Alternative Grading in Higher Education. In this conversation, we discuss successes and "not yet" successes in her courses, her dissertation research into Alternative Grading, as well as her experience attending the (mostly STEM focused) Grading Conference in June 2023.LinksAshleigh Fox on Linked In and at Community College of Allegheny CountyAsao Inoue, Arizona State UniversityBlogGrading Writing is a Racist Practice In...2023-10-2452 minThe Grading Podcast14 - Undoing the Grade: An Interview with Jesse StommelOn this episode, Bosley and Sharona speak with Dr. Jesse Stommel about his new book Undoing the Grade and about all the conversations about grades that we should be having. We touch on everything from 1000 point grading systems and the impact of Learning Management Systems to ChatGPT and seeing students as human beings. We question the very foundations of the system we call grades.LinksBooks mentioned in the episode:Undoing the Grade, by Jesse StommelHow Children Fail, by John HoltContact Jesse Stommelwww.jessestommel.com@Jessifer on Twitter, @Jessifer...2023-10-171h 05The Grading Podcast13 - Interim Grades: What do we do when we have to report "grades" in the middle of a term? With Joe ZeccolaMany institutions require instructors to provide "interim" or "midterm" grades. How does this work with an alternatively graded class? In this episode, co-hosts Sharona and Bosley are once again joined by nationally board certified English teacher Joe Zeccola to discuss the practice of providing middle-of-the-term grades to students and other stakeholders. In addition to interim grades, we also discuss how redesigning your grading practices can have a profound impact on teaching practices throughout a classroom.ResourcesThe Grading Conference - an annual, online conference exploring Alternative Grading in Higher Education and K-12.Some...2023-10-101h 04The Grading Podcast12 - Getting Started Part 7: Building Buy-InIn this episode, Bosley and Sharona discuss "Buy-In" - what it is, what exactly we are trying to get people to buy into, who we need to get buy-in from, some ideas about how and when to get buy-in, etc. Continuing the exploration into our unexamined grading practices and the similarities and differences between the K-12 and higher education worlds, we invite you to join the conversation!LinksPlease note - any books linked here are likely Amazon Associates links. Clicking on them and purchasing through them helps support the show. Thanks for your support!2023-10-031h 02The Grading Podcast11 - Getting Started Part 6: Feedback - Giving It and Getting Students to Use ItFeedback is one of the four core pillars of Alternative Grading. In this episode, co-hosts Robert Bosley and Sharona Krinsky discuss what elements are included in effective feedback, evaluate what it takes to teach students to use it, and share specific tips and barriers such as where feedback appears in LMS systems and different types of feedback including self-reflection, peer review, and instructor-to-student feedback.LinksSeven Keys to Effective FeedbackPlanning for Growth: Fleshing Out the Feedback Why I Give (Almost) All of My Assessments Back to My Students, by Sharona KrinskyWhat Learning Looks Like (Clean) Youtube...2023-09-261h 03The Grading Podcast10 - Artificial Scarcity and Doing Alt Grading "Right" or "Wrong": An Interview With David ClarkIn this episode, co-hosts Sharona Krinsky and Robert Bosley talk with Dr. David Clark, an associate professor of Mathematics at Grand Valley State University and co-author of both the new book Grading for Growth and the Grading for Growth blog. Join us as we explore Dave's journey through alternative grading, what his impetus for writing the book was, and his thoughts about the concept of "Artificial Scarcity" as it relates to grading. We also have a fascinating conversation towards the end about some of the ways the media is trying to describe doing alternative grading the "right" way as...2023-09-1957 minThe Grading Podcast9 - Reassessment Carnivals: An Interview with Kate OwensIn this episode, Sharona and Bosley talk with Dr. Kate Owens, a math professor at the College of Charleston, about her journey into Alternative Grading, how she handles assessments and reassessments in her classes, and what her top tips are for instructors considering switching to Alternative Grading. LinksA Beginner's Guide to Standards Based Grading by Kate OwensAn Interview with Kate Owens by Robert TalbertKate Owens, College of CharlestonHow We Moved A Conference Online by Kate Owens, Sharona Krinsky and David ClarkResourcesThe Grading Conference - an annual, online conference exploring...2023-09-121h 04The Grading Podcast8 - Getting Started Part 5: How to Determine When a Student has Completed a Learning Outcome and How to Roll it All Up Into a Final GradeIn this episode, our hosts Bosley and Sharona take a thorough look at the third and fourth decisions of the grading architecture of an alternatively graded course. How will a student complete a learning target?How does an instructor roll up evidence of learning into a final grade?In traditional grading, instructors don't usually determine if a specific learning target has or has not been completed satisfactorily. There are numerous ways, based on assessment methods and other factors, to determine when the learning target is complete. From a holistic approach to specific numbers of demonstrations of...2023-09-0555 minThe Grading Podcast7 - Getting Started Part 4: Gathering Evidence of Learning and Developing Proficiency ScalesJoin Sharona and Bosley as we delve into the details of the first two decisions needed in designing your grading architecture. We discuss the different types of assessments and evidence that we can use to measure student learning. Everything from traditional style exams and quizzes to the use of portfolios, student conversations and even "homework". Then we dive into proficiency scales. What are they? How are they used in alternative grading?Additionally we begin to touch on the labels used in proficiency scales. Whether your LMS system requires the use of categorical numbers as labels or you...2023-08-2956 minThe Grading Podcast6 - The Anatomy of a Learning Target: An Interview with Joe ZeccolaJoin hosts Robert Bosley and Sharona Krinsky as we talk to Joe Zeccola. Joe is a National Board Certified English teacher and an Equitable Grading and Instruction mentor in the Los Angeles Unified School District. He primarily teaches AP Literature and AP Language classes. In this conversation, we talk to Joe about how he developed the learning targets that he uses in his classes. From his initial discovery of the problems with traditional grading through his journey of self exploration and understanding of what he values as a teacher, Joe provides a fascinating insight into the process...2023-08-221h 02The Grading Podcast5 – Getting Started Part 3: Developing your Grading ArchitectureIn this episode, Sharona and Bosley describe the four decisions that make up the "Grading Architecture" of an alternatively graded course.How will you assess your learning targets?What type of proficiency scale(s) will you use?How will students show proficiency for a specific learning target? (I.e. how much evidence and of what kind to they need to provide)How will you wrap up into a final grade?After introducing the four decisions, they explore some examples of common options used for each of the decisions. This includes:What types of evidence of...2023-08-1545 min