Today, Ken O’Connor joins us on the show as we expound on standards-based grading & reporting.

Ken is an independent consultant specializing in issues related to grading & reporting. He helps individuals, schools, and districts improve communication about student achievement.

In the session, Ken talks about his passion for standards-based grading for about 27 years, improvements over the years, and why high schools have a long way to go in standard-based grading, unlike other grade levels. He also delves into the importance of moderation in schools, ways to communicate student achievement & a life-changing experience that inspired his career.

Ultimately he advises teachers to focus on standard-based grading, unlike assessment-based methods, using levels of proficiency, not points or percentages, and separating behaviors from students' achievement!

Tune in for more insights!

Timestamps

[00:40] A few housekeeping items

[01:14] Introducing today’s guest, Ken O’Connor

[02:25] What led Ken to his passion for standard-based grading & reporting

[05:43] Improvement in standard-based grading over the years

[06:25] Why High Schools still have a long way to go in terms of standard-based grading

[11:44] How teachers can prepare better in defending whatever communication they send to parents in respect of student’s grades or progress

[14:25] Importance of moderation in schools

[15:20] Ken’s dream of standard-based grading in schools

[17:28] Whether markings or numbers are appropriate at any levels

[20:11] Ken’s favorite authors

[22:52] Most inspiring moment in Ken’s career

[24:26] Advice for teachers having difficulties with standard-based grading

[26:33] What got Ken started his career with International Schools

[30:06] How to connect with Ken

Mentioned Books

● http://www.planteachassess.com/books

● https://books.apple.com/us/author/matthew-g-springer/id452819927

● https://www.amazon.com/Student-Self-Assessment-Notebooks-Portfolios-Learning/dp/1952812852

Let’s Connect

Connect with Ken O’Connor on;

● Twitter: https://twitter.com/kenoc7

● Website: https://www.oconnorgrading.com/

● Email: kenoc@aol.com

Connect with Dr. Dana Specker Watts on;

● Twitter: https://twitter.com/teachwatts

Connect with Mike Pierre on;

● Twitter: https://twitter.com/Ayitis_SigmaMan

More resources

● Head over to iss.edu/events to see future PD's that ISS is offering for the SY 22-23.

● Join the Diversity Collaborative platform-https://info.iss.edu/sign-up-diversity-collaborative