Last summer I made the plunge to finally go gradeless. I was ready for my classroom to be centered around learning, not grades. I had visions of motivated students, a continuous flow of feedback, and energy for reviewing student work.
Resources
Shift This! with Joy Kirr – TG²Cast Episode 3
This episode features an interview with Joy Kirr, author of the book Shift This!
Now’s the Time to Put It All Together
As the school year approaches, my anxiety begins to take hold. Knowing there will be 125 or so new faces staring up at me, expecting me to inspire them keeps me awake at night. After 20 years of teaching, I would think this feeling would have diminished. But it hasn't. So I spend my waking … Continue reading Now’s the Time to Put It All Together
Edtech in the Gradeless Classroom: Google Keep
"To one with a hammer, everything looks like a nail." This adage reveals the power tools have to shape our perceptions. What does this mean for the tools we use in the classroom? If using a hammer pushes me to see nails wherever I look, how is the grade book software on my computer influencing … Continue reading Edtech in the Gradeless Classroom: Google Keep
Now’s the Time For You to Shine
Summer sat across from me, apologizing. “I had to change my goals a little.” I smiled, delighted to hear that she had been reflecting on her goals, and urged her to continue talking. “I had intended to write a short story and work on character development,” Summer continued, “But I decided to focus more on … Continue reading Now’s the Time For You to Shine
Now’s the Time to Hit the Road
Well, our first #TG2chat is in the books, and it was pretty incredible. The following GIF sums up my attempt at keeping up with the lighting pace. A big thanks to my Teachers Going Gradeless cofounder, Aaron Blackwelder, for his expert moderating, and thanks to the many participants who brought a wealth of wisdom and … Continue reading Now’s the Time to Hit the Road
Now’s the Time to Take the Plunge
Teachers Going Gradeless is just two months old and our Facebook group has ballooned to include over 2,000 members from almost every continent on the globe (still no Antarctica). We’d like you to join us for a series of Twitter chats this summer, examining the whys, the hows, and the whats of going gradeless. The … Continue reading Now’s the Time to Take the Plunge
TG² Reads: SHIFT THIS!
SHIFT THIS: How to Implement Gradual Changes for Massive Impact in Your Classroom by Joy Kirr Paperback, 195 pages Tired of doing the same thing over and over again in the classroom? Do you feel like you’re doing most of the work in the classroom? Want to make learning more student-centered? If so, Shift This! … Continue reading TG² Reads: SHIFT THIS!
The Importance of PLNs
Change. Growth. Learning. Three short but complicated words. These intangibles are important to instill in students, and yet, in the day-to-day reality of work, teachers often neglect a need for continual professional growth. And as the years go by, it gets easier to become stubborn and set in one's ways. Change is hard. As teachers push … Continue reading The Importance of PLNs
Why We’re Gradeless
When Arthur and I first started Teachers Going Gradeless, I don't believe either of us expected to meet such an impressive array of educators. The many voices from math, science, history, English, and other content areas have inspired and influenced my teaching. We have invited a few of these teachers to share their gradeless journey. These teachers … Continue reading Why We’re Gradeless
Teachers Going Gradeless 