How a teacher stopped grading papers, replacing points with feedback

[@jenniferb752003]

I am a music teacher. I love what you said about mastery not being feasible and language arts is an ART.

[@jamiestaudinger2044]

This is the life-changing system I didn't even know I was looking for. Thanks for the video. I just ordered the book, and I could not be more excited to read it before I return to the classroom after a six-month mental health hiatus. You're the best, Laura!

[@isquared7070]

I've been teaching high school English for the last four years and this is my final term. I'm leaving traditional education. I told all my students that they're all getting A's this term and we are just going to enjoy learning ELA. They're doing fantastic work and really enjoying the journey. We have a lot of group discussions, conferencing one on one, and writing revisions. I let them know from the start that it's on them to live up to that A grade. Due to our solid relationship they are doing excellent at holding themselves accountable as a whole. I did my undergrad at The Evergreen State College in Washington State, so I'm familiar with narrative evaluations instead of grades. Thank you for all the teaching wisdom you put into the world!

[@laurarandazzo1158]

With your experience, I'm wondering if you think narrative evaluations could work on a broad scale? That's one of my stumbling blocks with this plan. With 175 students on a full-time teaching roster, the management of it feels overwhelming. Your two cents?

[@isquared7070]

@@laurarandazzo1158 I think 175 narrative evaluations would be too much for any teacher. I think class size is one of the problems with public education. Part of the reason narrative evaluations work at The Evergreen State College is in regard to smaller class size. I think that 3 sentences about a student's term would say more about a student's experience during a term than a grade. Reducing students to grades and numbers doesn't serve the learner well. Traditional education needs a lot of change and smaller classes would be a good place to start. Class times could be shorter with fewer students per class and that would foster stronger relationships between students and teachers. We need to find connection points with our students by getting to know them as individuals and that will drive relationships and ultimately quality education. Connection points are things we share in common with our students. I can't tell you how far a nice pair of J's and an appreciation for modern music has gone in connecting with my students. The other big part is being willing to listen to students and that's why I really enjoy conferencing. Sorry, I've got more to say, but I've already given my four cents and you only asked for two 😉. What would you change first in regards to a 175 student roster (more or less students)? I've never had that many students in a term, but any teacher who can manage that many student relationships is amazing!

[@laurarandazzo1158]

I agree with so much of this, I Squared. Reducing class size to a reasonable load of, say, 15 kids in one class period would solve SO MANY of the issues that led me to leave. Even if I had five classes a day, that's still just 75 kids in my world instead of the 175+ that have filled my rosters in the past. When classes are smaller, we know our students so much better. We can really differentiate instruction and assignments to meet each learner's needs. Additionally, the kids would hopefully feel so much more connected to the classroom community in a way that would encourage them to take risks and speak up in class. Working with a group of 14 people who really know each other and have developed trust is WAY better than navigating the social landmines of 36 kids who don't want to be there. The trouble, of course, is that lowering class sizes is expensive and it just doesn't seem to be a budgeting priority for our leaders. Makes me sad.

[@DogandaTopHat]

I appreciate the book report! Thanks! The idea of just working in letter grades and not in points alone has saved me a ton of time and stress.

[@laurarandazzo1158]

YES! Oh, Emily, I wish I could have back the time I used to spend internally debating whether a paper earned an 83 or an 84 percent. Oof.

[@headlessprofessor]

I like most of your videos and positively LOVED this one, both informative, inspirational, and yet balanced. You have a pleasant and engaging style and can make this relevant for teachers at all levels. I would like to see you do more such videos and not just book reviews. I think you would be a great interviewer of other educators who have found satisfaction and various classroom hacks.

[@laurarandazzo1158]

Aw, thanks for these nice words, headlessprofessor. We'll see where the channel takes me! :)

[@debbiegeshem687]

Really valuable to all hear a little bit about perspectives on education from books that are out there. I would definitely appreciate and benefit from more videos summarizing content from books on education. I appreciate the anecdote on sharing with students that learning is not about a grade. Thinking about how to set up a talk like this/what time of the year it would make sense to do that.

[@marylatour7424]

I haven't read the book, but based on your comments, I LOVE the idea of students articulating their own learning goals. Like you, the majority of my students are probably not college bound, but for those who are, this would be insightful for them individually, and for me as far as getting to know them and their desires. As for those kids who aren't college bound, in a different way, I can see how thinking about this is beneficial - but I have doubts about their buy in. Thank you for continuing to be you - and for continuing your channel.

[@laurarandazzo1158]

Thank you, Mary, for being with me on this journey! :)

[@readwithhug1819]

Zerwin's book is on my personal summer reading list for 2021! I think I'm gonna love it! On big (summative) writing pieces, I have them highlight new writing techniques they used and also have them write a reflection on what they were most proud of on this writing piece and how they thought they grew during this unit as a writer. (Kind of like the 'Learning Journey' but a little less hippie dippie LOL. And I teach those "regular" kiddos. Works great!)

[@laurarandazzo1158]

Oh yeah, Lauren, I'm also a big fan of highlighters. "Use pink for your thesis. Use green for your concrete detail. Use yellow for your commentary." Helps them focus during drafting and speeds along my grading time, too. 👍

[@spartannielsen]

I just bought this book last week. I'm pretty sure I found it by googling "I hate grading" plus an expletive that our filter probably eliminated. It's one of the first things I will read when Life Begins Again, a.ka., summer break starts. Thank you for the preview. I will be interested to see how much I can apply in our standards-based school. Your videos are keeping me going these last few weeks. You are amazing!

[@laurarandazzo1158]

Thanks for joining me here! It's a quick read, too. Like I said in the video, not everything would fit into my classroom structure, but I liked that the book made me pause and reconsider some things. Circle back around and let me know what you think.

[@Qetesh777]

I am a homeschooling mom and we naturally do some of this. I like the goal setting though and I will implement some of this With my kids next year. I do appreciate the fact that there are teachers who get it and want to facilitate learning for the sake of it ❤️.

[@gigikean6003]

Love the summer haircut. Thanks for the informative video.

[@khalidbendisse1307]

Thanks Laura for your incredible efforts in tackling the issue of learners grading . Thanks too Sarah for the innovative ideas you 've initiated in your book on evaluating and grading students Hope to find an available copy here in Morocco

[@gregorywilliams8866]

Very nice, Laura. I enjoyed this post. I have seen her interviews, but it was nice how you voiced your own perspective and extracted salient takeaways. By the way, I love the summer cut. :-)

[@laurarandazzo1158]

Thanks, Gregory! I'm all about keeping things practical, from my video content to my no-fuss haircut. ;)

[@MAureliusHiggs]

I've been on 'the points are not the point' bandwagon for a while. I'm glad you're using your platform to bring awareness to 'the cracks in the system'. Dip your toes into the work of Seth Godin. While he's many things, I'd title him as an 'innovative thought leader'. He has some interesting ideas on 'what school is for'. I think his work will resonate with you, especially his ideas on project-based learning and having a regular practice of doing work. Also, love the new summer doo.

[@laurarandazzo1158]

Great suggestion, Marcus! I've enjoyed Godin's thoughts on the topic and read through his ebook, which he posted for free on his blog if others are interested: seths.blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/stop-stealing-dreams6print.pdf While he sometimes drifts into impracticality, I appreciate where he's coming from. Thanks for watching and joining the conversation. Glad you're here!

[@MrVTice]

Just happened to stumble across this whole going down a rabbit hole and here I am 20 min later. What are your thoughts on doing this for other subjects that are less “arts” like science and more specifically something with a lot of rote learning like anatomy? Thanks!!

[@laurarandazzo1158]

That's a great question, V Tice, without a great answer from me. I try to stay in my lane and I'm not credentialed or experienced with science standards/curriculum. Science folks, help us out. Would student-selected learning goals have a place in your classroom?

[@chrisoulalakkas7401]

What's the best advice you wish you could have given to your younger self?

[@laurarandazzo1158]

Umm...now that sounds like a great topic for a future video. Stay tuned! :)

[@raepacheco222]

Loved the book review video. Thank you for the tip. I would love if you would give a shout out to more teacher authors who had practical tips for those of us in the field. Thank you for your time.

[@laurarandazzo1158]

Will do my best to spread the word, Rae! Trouble is, so much of what I read from publishers is pie-in-the-sky. Honestly, social media and Facebook Groups are the best sources of consistently valuable info. I've found.

[@lakynwilliamson8692]

Thank you for your review! Have you read Book Love by Penny Kittle?

[@laurarandazzo1158]

I haven't, but I know she's a legend. Maybe this is the summer I finally dig into this one?

[@justplainpeachy9352]

I teach fourth grade language arts. Would this book contain information that would apply to the elementary level?

[@laurarandazzo1158]

Great question, but I don't have a great answer. I haven't worked with elementary students and I'm credentialed only for grades 6-12. Sorry, I'm going to stay in my lane on this one and say I just don't know. Anyone out there with elementary experience who can speak to the appropriateness of student-selected learning goals and self-reflection for 4th graders?

[@pequodexpress]

It would be interesting to know the zip code demographics of Zerwin's students and her AP class sizes.

[@laurarandazzo1158]

Agreed! Her situation is unique and the demographics are definitely a factor. Still, I felt there were bits and pieces of her approach that would fit lots of different classrooms and teaching styles. If I were still teaching, I'd try a few (but not all) of these ideas.

[@pequodexpress]

@@laurarandazzo1158 Thank you for recommending Zerwin. I do believe that fewer writing assignments shepherded through an in-depth revision process is better than more assignments just for the sake of having more.

[@christinebuvet7834]

What tools could you offer to moms thst homeschool? I'm new at homeschooling and need help in the language arts/english/writing area!

[@laurarandazzo1158]

Oh, you've stumbled upon the right KZbin channel, Christine! I have a ton of free resources to help you get started. You didn't mention grade level, so I'll just guess that you're here for high school-level work. I have a whole series of 100+ videos that your kid/s can work through here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iKjGe4dpj9qFlbs I also have this free planning calendar that'll help you see the scope of a full-year of high school English: laurarandazzo.com/2018/04/07/free-h-s-english-monthly-calendars/ Don't hesitate to reach out to me over at the blog, too. That's my home base. :)

[@christinebuvet7834]

@@laurarandazzo1158 I have been using the online Monarch program but am horrible at grading their writing. 😒 This school year is almost up and we will be doing evaluations with a certified teacher within the next couple weeks. I'm hoping to help improve their writing skills for next year. Grades will be 12th, 8th and 4th. We live in South Florida Broward County.

[@laurarandazzo1158]

@@christinebuvet7834 Not familiar with Monarch (sorry!), but does that site supply samples of strong student work? I've had a lot of success when students deconstruct a top-scoring sample. Once they see how the end-product is built, they can then use those concrete elements to build their own.