A Parents’ Guide to Grading and Reporting: Being Clear about What Matters

Whether resulting from the educational fallout of the COVID-19 global pandemic or merely challenging the status quo, more schools are transitioning their grading practices away from traditional points and percentages and toward 21st century grading practices such as standards-based and proficiency-based grading. A Parents’ Guide to Grading and Reporting: Being Clear about What Matters assists parents and guardians in understanding what is involved in 21st century grading and how to become better partners with educators in efforts to understand students’ strengths and areas for improvement.

Matt Townsley is an assistant professor of educational leadership at the University of Northern Iowa (Cedar Falls, IA) and was previously a K-12 district administrator. Dr. Townsley has firsthand experience implementing and leading lasting grading reform and has consulted with thousands of educators and parents across the globe on the topics of assessment and grading. Chad Lang is an experienced educational leader, currently serving as the Assistant Superintendent of School Improvement and Human Resources in Glenwood, Iowa. With over two decades of experience, Dr. Lang has a proven track record of successfully piloting, implementing, directing, and instructing grading and assessment practices and reforms in K-12 schools.