Page 57 - EdViewptsSpring2020

A Grading System That Embraces

the Unique Learning Styles of

Each Student

By Joseph Miceli, Ed.D., Retired Principal and Superintendent

The Connected Action (PLC). At Paterson Charter School for career and developed a system of
Roadmap (CAR), an Science and Technology (PCSST), we Standards-based Grading. At PCSST,
found the interplay of these elements
an urban charter school, I had the
organizational framework essential in our work to revise our good fortune to work with a creative
that creates a systemic, student grading system. After identifying group of teachers who were willing to
change their practices for the benefit
and understanding the flaws in our
coherent plan for improv- system, we developed a system of of their students. I also had the good
ing student learning and Standards-based Grading that fostered fortune to work with a Lead Person
a more student-supportive culture that
willing to disrupt the status quo to
strengthening educator took into account the individual learning allow new ideas to be implemented for
styles, strengths and weaknesses of the benefit of students.
practice, posits a strong relationship each student. Implementation of Standards-based
between student achievement and Harry Wong in his workshops on Grading practices is a change pro-
four elements: a standards-based Classroom Management recommends cess. As with any change, individuals
curriculum, high quality instruction, that we “Steal” good ideas and make leading the charge must analyze the
high quality assessment, and the them our own. He calls this process current system to identify and under-
collaborative work of faculty in “Research.” I have done considerable stand its deficits. For us, this analysis
Professional Learning Communities
“research” over the course of my came through discussions about the

Educational Viewpoints -55- Spring 2020