US/Global 
CANFree Reproducibles
Pathways to Proficiency
Implementing Evidence-Based Grading, Second Edition
This book provides a five-phase process for implementing evidence-based grading, offering practical guidance for teachers and a clear road map for school leaders to improve student assessment, grading, and reporting. The five-phase process helps schools address some of the challenges they encounter with standards-based and competency-based grading models, providing structured steps and solutions. K–12 administrators can use this book to evaluate their system’s effectiveness, reflect on successes and challenges, and continuously refine evidence-based grading practices to enhance student learning outcomes.
Benefits
- Propose, design, and evaluate new grading practices based on student performance
- Lead and organize the implementation of evidence-based grading policies and practices
- Establish clearer guidelines, benchmarks, and standards of student performance
- Navigate common pitfalls when transitioning to a new evidence-based assessment model
- Enhance student performance through more consistent feedback and stronger mentorship
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction: A Case for a Better Way to Grade
Chapter 1: Preparation—Core Commitments
Chapter 2: Incubation—Unexpected Connections
Chapter 3: Insight—Critical Discoveries
Chapter 4: Evaluation—Key Questions
Chapter 5: Elaboration—Essential Realizations
Appendix A: Evidence-Based Gradebook Hacks
Appendix B: Other Evidence-Based Grading Impacts
Appendix C: How to Convert a Unit of Study to Evidence-Based Grading
PRINTABLE REPRODUCIBLES
Chapter 3: Insight—Critical Discoveries
- Figure 3.5: Protocol for Flipping Gradual Release Instruction for the Skill of Written Argumentation
- Figure 3.19: Example of a Completed Evidence-Based Rubric
Chapter 5: Elaboration—Essential Realizations
Epilogue
SUGGESTED RESOURCES
BOOKS
- Buffum, A., Mattos, M., & Weber, C. (2012). Simplifying response to intervention: Four essential guiding principles. Bloomington, IN: Solution Tree Press.
- Erkens, C., Schimmer, T., & Dimich, N. (2019). Growing tomorrow’s citizens in today’s classrooms: Assessing seven critical competencies. Bloomington, IN: Solution Tree Press.
- Gobble, T., Onuscheck, M., Reibel, A. R., & Twadell, E. (2016). Proficiency-based assessment: Process, not product. Bloomington, IN: Solution Tree Press.
- Gobble, T., Onuscheck, M., Reibel, A. R., & Twadell, E. (2017). Pathways to proficiency: Implementing evidence-based grading. Bloomington, IN: Solution Tree Press.
- Gregory, K., Cameron, C., & Davies, A. (2011). Self-assessment and goal setting (2nd ed.). Bloomington, IN: Solution Tree Press.
- Guskey, T. R. (2015). On your mark: Challenging the conventions of grading and reporting. Bloomington, IN: Solution Tree Press.
- Heflebower, T., Hoegh, J. K., & Warrick, P. (2014). A school leader’s guide to standards-based grading. Bloomington, IN: Marzano Resources.
- Marzano, R. J. (2009). Designing and teaching learning goals and objectives. Bloomington, IN: Marzano Resources.
- Marzano, R. J. (2017). The new art and science of teaching. Bloomington, IN: Solution Tree Press.
- O’Connor, K. (2007a). The last frontier: Tackling the grading dilemma. In D. Reeves (Ed.), Ahead of the curve: The power of assessment to transform teaching and learning (pp. 127–146). Bloomington, IN: Solution Tree Press.
- Reeves, D. (Ed.). (2007). Ahead of the curve: The power of assessment to transform teaching and learning. Bloomington, IN: Solution Tree Press.
- Reeves, D. (2016a). Elements of grading: A guide to effective practice (2nd ed.). Bloomington, IN: Solution Tree Press.
- Reeves, D. (2016b). FAST grading: A guide to implementing best practices. Bloomington, IN: Solution Tree Press.
- Reibel, A. R. (2022). Embracing relational teaching: How strong relationships promote student self-regulation and efficacy. Bloomington, IN: Solution Tree Press.
- Reibel, A. R., Gobble, T., Onuscheck, M., & Twadell, E. (2024). Beyond PLC lite: Evidence-based teaching and learning in a Professional Learning Community at Work. Bloomington, IN: Solution Tree Press.
- Saunders, E. (2023). Stick the learning: Brain-based teaching techniques to increase retention, application, and transfer. Bloomington, IN: Solution Tree Press.
- Schimmer, T. (2016). Grading from the inside out: Bringing accuracy to student assessment through a standards-based mindset. Bloomington, IN: Solution Tree Press.
- Twadell, E., Onuscheck, M., Reibel, A. R., & Gobble, T. (2019). Proficiency-based instruction: Rethinking lesson design and delivery. Bloomington, IN: Solution Tree Press.
- Wiliam, D. (2011). Embedded formative assessment. Bloomington, IN: Solution Tree Press.
- Wiliam, D. (2018). Embedded formative assessment (2nd ed.). Bloomington, IN: Solution Tree Press.
WEBSITES
