Welcome to the Engaging Learners Academy Course in Grading and Assessment!
The inherent issue isn’t that grading exists; it’s about how we’re grading. Deep down we know there are better ways to evaluate student learning than assigning a percentage, a number, or a letter grade. Informed educators are aware of the substantial evidence indicating that the new paradigm, Skills/Standards Based Grading (SBG), contributes greatly to meaningful learning. Taught by literacy expert, Dr. Katherine McKnight. In this introductory course you'll:
• Begin your journey toward developing standards- and skills-based grading, even if you are also required to use traditional letters and numbers as grades
• Discover the most important aspects of formative assessment
• Explore research-based strategies for offering effective descriptive feedback
• Learn how self-assessment, peer assessment, and collaboration help students meet their own educational goals
• Acquire resources and learn effective strategies that grow student achievement
K-12 classroom teachers, curriculum developers, and administrators will benefit from this introduction to Skills/Standards Based Grading – whether they’re teaching remotely or in a traditional classroom.
2 HOURS OF PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Upon completion of the course each student will receive a certificate documenting 2 hours of professional development.
Course Curriculum
Dr. Katherine McKnight, PhD
Dr. Katherine McKnight is a dynamic presenter, dedicated teacher, and award-winning author. Dr. McKnight began her career in education over 30 years ago as a middle school and high school English and social studies teacher in the Chicago Public Schools. In addition to speaking at professional development conferences, she is a regular consultant in schools and classrooms in the United States and Internationally.
Dr. McKnight’s 15-year distinguished university career culminated in her assignment to Distinguished Professor of Research at National Louis University. She is the founder of Engaging Learners, an educational company built around her successful Literacy and Learning Center model. Her work in educational leadership, literacy and student skill development has resulted in unprecedented academic achievement in many struggling schools.
Dr. McKnight has received several awards for her publications and teaching at the university level. She has authored 20 books that support educational strategies to engage all learners. Her titles include the best-selling The Teacher’s Big Book of Graphic Organizers, winner of the 2013 Teachers’ Choice Award and Literacy & Learning Centers for the Big Kids, grades 4-12. Most recently, she founded Morning Meeting webinars during the COVID 19 pandemic as a weekly forum to bring together educators to engage in professional learning. To learn more about Dr. McKnight, visit her websites: KatherineMcKnight.com and EngagingLearners.com.
