Different Ways Teachers Grade
By Brynn Maeann Schwartz
Grades are often seen as a measure of a student’s performance in school, but how those grades are determined depends greatly on the teacher.
Some teachers are test-heavy, others put more weight on homework or projects, and some emphasize participation and growth. These differences create unique experiences for students as they move from one class to another.
“In my classroom, tests are worth 70% of the grade, while homework, quizzes, and activities make up the remaining 30%,” Jessica Borg, a mathematics teacher, explained. “The tests are weighted more heavily because I believe students need to practice new concepts with low stakes before being formally tested. It also keeps them accountable when completing homework.”
Angie Brodersen, family and consumer science teacher, takes a slightly different approach, focusing on how well students retain what they have learned.
“I test students on the learning objectives, with each day covering a new one. The next day, I give a bell ringer over the previous day’s lesson to let students practice and show what they know,” she states.
While grading styles may differ from teacher to teacher, they all share a common goal by helping students grow and succeed. These approaches highlight that learning is not all the same and that the path to success can look different depending on the classroom.
