Effective Grading Practices for Secondary Teachers

Dave Nagel, MsED, is an international educational consultant and researcher. Dave began his educational career as a middle school science and high school biology teacher. His administrative experiences involved middle school assistant principal, high school associate principal, and director of extended day and credit-recovery programs. He was honored numerous times as a 'Senior Choice' winner, where graduating seniors selected him as someone who dramatically affected their life in a positive way. Dave has credentials in school leadership and secondary science teaching as well as a master of science degree from Butler University. Dave is the author of Effective Grading Practices for Secondary Teachers and the co-author of The PLC+ Activator's Guide and PLC+: A Playbook for Instructional Leaders.

Foreword by Jeffrey A. Erickson Acknowledgments About the Author Introduction Part I: Why Changing Grading at the Secondary Level Is a Tough Sell 1. Grading: Long Perceived as the One Immovable Element in a Constantly Evolving Field 2. Determining Why Grading Changes Are Needed Part II: Practice Trumps Policy 3. Policy: The Starting Point, Not the Destination Finder 4. Policy Into Practices: The Path to Effective Grading Part III: Grading Practices to Prevent Failure, Recover Credits, and Increase Grading on Standards 5. Preventing Unnecessary Failure 6. What Do We Do When Failure Does Happen? Effective Credit Recovery 7. Standards-Based Grading Part IV: Elements for Successful Implementation 8. Determining What (Could) Change 9. Implementation: Setting Up and Conducting Action Research Appendixes References Index

"This is a must read for educators striving to keep struggling learners engaged. Every educator will reflect upon his grading practices and will find strategies to encourage students to get the work done." -- David G. Daniels, High School Principal "David Nagel offers an insightful and articulate voice to secondary improvement and alignment through grading practices. His tried and true methods through working with real districts provides a starting place and examples for others to follow. A must-read for anyone serious about ensuring student engagement through meaningful feedback. Tri-Creek is very appreciative of the expertise he provided in our journey to align grading practices." -- Debra K. Howe, Superintendent "Informative and pragmatic, this book is spot on with analysis of this elephant in the room issue. Dave Nagel uses both empathy and humor in getting to the heart of a process to generate real solutions while underscoring the ultimate need for teacher voice in any successful implementation. He provides ready-made strategies for real, impactful change. I'm left hopeful that feedback will rule the day!" -- Bruce Potter, Superintendent A must read for anyone looking to gain further insight into effective grading practices. Dave not only provides a solid direction on how to navigate through changing grading practices, he also provides authentic examples of the challenges that often arise while doing so. A very accurate picture is provided so a solid understanding can be had about why grading practices need to shift, what the process in doing so truly entails, and suggestions to support success in change and implementation. Dave's book provides great perspective on the why and how behind changing grading practices. While the process will often encounter barriers, as Dave authentically articulates throughout his book, the equity it brings to grading for students is imperative and necessary if grades are truly going to represent an indication of student mastery against targeted objectives. An excellent resource for anyone in education. -- Karen Flories, Executive Director of Educational Services 6-12 "This book makes the most compelling case to date for transforming grading practices at the secondary level. Every chapter is rich with convergent research and supported by effective analogies and examples. The argument strength for changing secondary grading practices builds from chapter to chapter and is bolstered through a logical arrangement of information. Anyone who reads this book will seek immediately to proactively find ways to solve the grading problems in their district. Simply stated, Dave's synthesis of all of the available research on grading is irrefutable evidence that will lead to transformational changes in grading!" -- Steve Oertle, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum Instruction "I am always looking for new resources to further the conversation about grades and effective grading practices, and Dave Nagel's book, Effective Grading Practices for Secondary Teachers, provides just that. From having the tough conversations about why grading practices need to evolve to how to successfully implement changes, Dave provides practical, research-based strategies to increase student success." -- Jennifer Marten, GT Coordinator/Online School Coordinator