Grading Philosophy

Gradient Learning’s grading policy prioritizes the development of Cognitive Skills that students need for success in college and career. Because these are lifelong skills, Cognitive Skills cut across subjects, courses, and grade levels.  Students are graded on a 4 point rubric. 4- exceeds expectations, 3- meets expectations, 2-approaching expectations, 1- does not meet expectations.

Assessing Cognitive Skills in Projects

Students in Gradient Learning develop Cognitive Skills by working on Real-World Projects. Teachers give feedback to students as they work through the Checkpoints of a Project and assess each Project based on the 4–5 Cognitive Skills (on average) the student has demonstrated in that Project.

The Cognitive Skills Rubric specifies grade-level and interdisciplinary expectations for each Cognitive Skill.

Students progress through the year and through the grade levels along a continuum, demonstrating competency in a Cognitive Skill as appropriate for their level of development, with the goal of becoming college- and career ready. Each Cognitive Skill is assessed multiple times during the year in different subjects so that students, teachers, and families can track growth. 

Aligned to the emphasis on growth mindset, no grades are finalized in Gradient Learning until the end of the academic year. This allows for students to demonstrate growth over a longer period of time without being held accountable at arbitrary points during the school year, such as a quarter or semester.