Podcast
The Continuing Educator
The problem with grading behavior, with Matt Townsley and Chris Thoms
May 10, 2021

Description
Traditional grading practices typically incorporate non-learning measures such as behavior and effort into an average. Yet by mixing achievement and behavior, we miscommunicate on both accounts. Students and parents still need information on both, but the critical step is to separate reporting, and Dr. Matt Townsley and NWEA User Experience Designer Chris Thoms will share with us both why this is crucial for equity, and how teachers can put it into action.
Topics: Equity
Products: Professional Learning
Related Topics


Fact Sheet
Creating equitable assessments
At NWEA, we understand that data from the assessments we create plays a critical role in supporting student-centered instruction, and in informing the systems, policies, and investments that support equal opportunity for all students to learn. As we partner with states and the districts to create systems that positively impact all students, we apply an equity lens to test design, content development, and integration of accessibility and accommodations.
Topics: Equity
Products: State Solutions


Article
How to use assessment and grade-level texts to close the opportunity gap
Literacy is a fundamental skill. Without it, a student is much less likely to live up to their potential. Help your teachers understand how best to support their readers.
Topics: Equity
Products: MAP Reading Fluency


Webinar
Fluency and equity: Helping all kids access grade-level text
A panel of leading reading instruction experts discuss specific practices and strategies educators can implement to improve oral reading fluency and help all students access grade-level text.
Topics: Instructional strategy & resources, Equity, Literacy
Products: MAP Reading Fluency


eBook
Anti-racism in the classroom: A primer
The murder of George Floyd shook the US on May 25, 2020. The time to lead meaningful, lasting change is now. An important place to start? The classroom. Read about what you can do to start reshaping your practice.
Topics: Equity
Products: Professional Learning


Podcast
Testing America's Freedom | Ep. 5: Paving the way for an equitable future—words of wisdom from the next generation of leaders
Our journey concludes with a look towards the future: an inspiring conversation with a group of youth activists who tell their stories and establish a visionary call to action for education leaders and policymakers across the country.
Topics: Equity


Podcast
Testing America's Freedom | Ep. 4: The missing summative—what does it mean for the future of assessment?
Our education system is at an inflection point, and as COVID-19 makes us reconsider the best ways to teach students, we must also consider how assessment and accountability need to shift toward a more modern structure.
Topics: Equity


Podcast
Testing America's Freedom | Ep. 3: What’s race got to do with it? Everything
The truth about education in this country can be hard to stomach. In this episode, we go on a journey through the history of education policy in the United States, challenging beliefs about teachers of color and the outcomes of students of color and the outcomes of students of color.
Topics: Equity