Grading Exceptional and Struggling Learners

Book excerpt: A powerful model for helping struggling students succeed How can you ensure that you are grading your exceptional students fairly? Teachers receive very little guidance for grading students with disabilities, English learners, and those receiving services through a response-to-intervention (RTI) process. This practitioner-friendly book provides teachers and administrators with an effective framework for assigning grades that are accurate, meaningful, and legally defensible. The authors′ easy-to-follow, five-step standards-based inclusive grading model helps teachers: Determine appropriate expectations for each student Understand the differences between accommodations and modifications Grade based on modified expectations Communicate the meaning of grades to students and their families Included are a graphic illustration of the grading model, sample report cards and progress reports, and vignettes that show how to tailor applications to each subgroup and grade level. This invaluable guide takes the mystery out of grading exceptional learners and focuses on what matters most—helping all students learn.