How to Grade for Learning, K-1

"Once again, Ken O′Connor has addressed one of the most emotional issues in education: grading. This book not only makes a compelling case for reformed grading practices, but also provides practical advice for the classroom teacher, school and system administrator, and policy maker at every level."
―Douglas Reeves, Chairman
The Leadership and Learning Center

"I would recommend O′Connor′s approach to all teachers who believe that grades should clearly communicate actual student learning. For educators who want to make grades more meaningful and useful to students, parents, and teachers, this is the book to read."
―Forrest Clark, Math Teacher
Nisqually Middle School, Lacey, WA

"O′Connor not only provides readers with valuable information regarding the theory, context, and purpose of grading, he also includes practical strategies and solutions for classroom implementation."
―Patricia Schenck, Academic Program Coordinator, Educator Preparation
Gulf Coast Community College

"O′Connor′s patient, methodical approach, along with realistic examples, gives the reader a road map to define and implement grades that are truly based on academic achievement."
―Duane Coleman, Director of Secondary Curriculum and Instruction
Oceanside Unified School District, CA

Implement standards-based grading practices that help students succeed!

Academic assessment methods should help students grow and develop to their full potential. Many educators would agree, however, that traditional grading practices are incompatible with today′s standards-based systems.

This third edition of the best-selling How to Grade for Learning demonstrates how to improve grading practices by linking grades with standards and establishing policies that better reflect student achievement. Ken O′Connor updates his eight guidelines for good grading, explains the purpose and key elements of each guideline, and offers recommendations for practical applications. The book examines a number of additional grading issues, including grade point average calculation and the use of computer grading programs. This thoroughly revised edition includes:

• A greater emphasis on standards-based grading practices
• Updated research and additions to the sections on feedback and homework
• New sections on academic dishonesty, extra credit, and bonus points
• Additional information on utilizing level scores rather than percentages
• Reflective exercises
• Techniques for managing grading time more efficiently

An invaluable tool to help individual teachers assign grades that are accurate, meaningful, and supportive of learning, this book also makes an ideal staff development resource.

Ken O’Connor is an independent classroom assessment consultant with a special interest in grading and reporting. An internationally recognized speaker who has presented in 47 states in the United States, 9 provinces and one territory in Canada, and 24 other countries, he has also consulted for schools, districts, and state and provincial departments of education. He had 23 years of classroom experience from grade 7 to grade 12, and 10 years of experience as a curriculum coordinator for a large school district. Ken was born in Melbourne, Australia, but has lived most of his life in the east end of Toronto, Canada.

His major extra-curricular interest is field hockey, as a player, umpire and coach. As a coach, three of his players went on to represent Canada in the Olympics. He also umpired at the 1984 Olympic Games and the 1990 World Cup.