Joe Feldman provides a vital resource for educators aiming to transform grading into a tool that fosters student leadership in learning. This book addresses the pressing need for improved, equity-focused grading practices, offering research, tools, and the courage to confront the inconsistencies that often perpetuate achievement gaps. Feldman emphasizes the importance of grading practices that are accurate, bias-resistant, and motivational, which can enhance learning, reduce grade inflation, and strengthen teacher-student relationships. The book is essential for both schoolwide initiatives and individual study, featuring a historical overview of grading systems that have traditionally served to sort and control students, reinforcing fixed mindsets about academic potential. It summarizes research on motivation and equitable teaching, laying a strong foundation for equitable grading practices. Additionally, it presents specific, equitable grading strategies, teacher examples, and solutions for common challenges, along with reflection tools for individual and group engagement. Feldman encourages educators to introspect on their grading practices, asking what these practices reveal about their beliefs and values, and advocates for a commitment to change, making this book an invaluable reference for transformative educational practices.
