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Access curated materials, expert insights, and practical tools developed to advance your understanding of standards-based grading practices, providing educators with research-backed resources that drive meaningful assessment reform.
Standards Based Learning and Grading
This popular group is a hub for discussion and resource sharing. Many of the leading thinkers and reformers in this space frequent the group, along with school leaders and teachers who have direct experience with assessment reform.
Prof. Matt Townsley's Resource List
Maintained by Professor Matt Townsley at the University of Northern Iowa, this constantly updated list features a comprehensive collection of articles, podcasts, and other media focused on standards-based grading.
Recommended Books
We recommend these books as solid reads
Concise answers to frequently asked questions about assessment and grading. Solution Tree.
Dimich, N., Erkens, C., Miller, J., Schimmer, T., & White, K. (2022)
Grading smarter, not harder: Assessment strategies that motivate kids and help them learn. ASCD.
Dueck, M. (2014)
Grading for equity: What it is, why it matters, and how it can transform schools and classrooms (2nd edition). Corwin.
Feldman, J. (2023)
On your mark: Challenging the conventions of grading and reporting. Solution Tree.
Guskey, T. R. (2015)
Engaging parents and families in grading reform. Corwin.
Guskey, T. R. (2023)
Developing standards-based report cards. Corwin.
Guskey, T. R., & Bailey, J. M. (2010)
Grading exceptional and struggling learners. Corwin.
Jung, L. A., & Guskey, T. R. (2012)
Extinguishing the Fires Within Assessment and Grading Reform.
Larson, G., Peppler, B., Smith, D. & Townsley, M. (2024)
Creating a self-directed learning environment: Standards-based and social-emotional learning. Corwin.
Mullen, G. (2020)
A repair kit for grading: Fifteen fixes for broken grades (3rd ed.). FIRST Educational Resources.
O’Connor, K. (2022)
The standards-based classroom: Make learning the goal. Corwin.
Rinkema, E. A. & Williams, S. (2019)
Grading from the inside out: Bringing accuracy to student assessment through a standards-based mindset. Solution Tree.
Schimmer, T. (2016)
Using grading to support student learning. Routledge.
Townsley, M. (2022)
Unpacking the competency-based classroom: Equitable individualized learning in a PLC at Work. Solution Tree.
Vander Els., J. G., & Stack, B. (2022)
Rethinking grading: Meaningful assessment for standards-based learning. ASCD.
Vatterott, C. (2015)
Fair isn’t always equal (2nd ed.). Stenhouse.
Wormeli, R. (2018)
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