Handouts are available below

Big Idea

Is there more grade inflation in SBA as opposed to the traditional grading system tests and assignments based on content? In my practice, I would argue that SBA has not led to grade inflation. Instead, I would say that an A or a 95% is harder to get in my classes now as opposed to when I was using traditional grading. This is because my course is even more rigorous than before. But, at the same time, kids who might traditionally fail in one of my science classes also have a better chance of passing.

Episode Notes

• How is standards based assessment is more rigorous in my class than traditional grading? It’s because, now, a grade – whether it’s a percentage or letter grade or proficiency scale – is based on a variety of standards (ie. skills and practices) and not just content knowledge.

• For example, physics is generally a very calculation-heavy course, but with my physics tests, like this one, I not only assess students on their calculations – which falls under “processing and analyzing” on a test – I also assess their ability to explain, predict, draw arguments, and evaluate competing ideas through essay style questions – all of which falls under the skill of communicating or questioning and predicting. 

• Similarly, more students are passing science in my class because I’m looking for more aspects of a science education to evaluate besides content (and, in the case of physics, calculations).

• The key to ensuring there’s no grade inflation while using SBA is to (1) be intentional with what you’re looking for when assessing each competency and (2) have a good rubric. For example, for me, communication is assessed by how well students are able to write an argument using Claim Evidence and Reasoning.

Thanks for watching, and let’s talk science education again soon.

Resources

Handout(s): Ep67 Handouts – Is There More Grade Inflation in SBG?

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