Welcome to the Modern Classrooms Project Podcast. Each week we bring you discussions with educators on how they use blended, self-paced, and mastery-based learning to better serve their learners. In this episode, Zach Diamond is joined by Kaitlyn McGillicuddy to discuss grading in a Modern Classroom.

They delve into the shortcomings of traditional grading systems, the practical implementation of modern grading approaches, and the importance of fostering genuine learning.

Here are the key takeaways from this podcast:

• Shifting Focus from Grades to Mastery: There is an emotional toll that traditional grading systems can take on students - and the research on student motivation agrees. Kaitlyn emphasizes the need to shift the educational paradigm from a focus on grades to one centered on mastery-based learning. By prioritizing true understanding and progress, educators can reduce the undue stress associated with grades. Kaitlyn shares, “It's not about grades; it's about learning and growth.”

• Communication and Mindset Shift: The importance of informal conversations, progress tracking, and feedback are pivotal tools in the teacher toolbox. Changing both teachers' and students' mindsets is integral to dismantling oppressive grading systems and creating a more equitable and empowering learning environment. Kaitlyn reminds listeners to "Shift the focus from grading to learning by embracing mastery-based learning."

• Grading in Modern Classrooms: In the final part of the podcast episode, Kaitlyn outlines her grading scheme within a Modern Classroom. She employs a one-to-four scale, assesses unit tests across multiple standards, and combines formative and summative assessments strategically. This approach fosters a detailed understanding of content and encourages a focus on improvement over just achievement.

In summary, this discussion underscores the need for a fundamental shift in how we evaluate student progress. By embracing modern grading methods that prioritize mastery, educators can help students thrive in a less stressful, more equitable, and genuinely enriching learning environment.

Discussion questions for PLC and PD: 

• How can educators effectively communicate the shift from traditional grading to mastery-based learning to students, and what strategies can be employed to help students embrace this new mindset?

• In what ways can modern grading methods, such as using a one to four scale and assessing standards individually, foster a deeper understanding of content and encourage student growth and improvement?

• How might educators strike a balance between formative and summative assessments within their modern classrooms to create a grading system that aligns with a mastery-based philosophy while providing meaningful feedback and tracking progress?

Our Host

Zach Diamond studied Music History and Theory at Oberlin College and received a Masters of Music in Music Education from Boston University. He taught music for five years in Lima, Peru, and is currently a Middle School music teacher at DC International School, a language-immersion school where he teaches in Spanish. He began implementing the Modern Classrooms Model in the 19-20 School Year and enthusiastically continues his work with the organization as a mentor and podcast producer.

Our Guest: Kaitlyn McGillicuddy

Connecting with Kaitlyn McGillicuddy: Connect with Kaitlyn: Follow her on Instagram @globalwithgilly or email her at kaitlyn.mcgillicuddy@modernclassrooms.org

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