Definition: a metric for determining and assessing a level of mastery. The scales can vary depending on the decided upon weight of each level. Schools and/or teams should discuss and calibrate these scales as objectively as possible. The scale also communicates to students and families the level of academic understanding against particular standards in content and/or skills.
What a mastery scale is not: a grading system. A mastery scale is not meant to convey a traditional grade but the depth of understanding of particular skills and content. Using a mastery scale is meant to help teachers and students understand areas of strength and challenge. It is NOT an average. Mastery should never be averaged, especially if we are assessing a variety of standards at once.
Sample mastery scale:
Resources:
Farah, K. (n.d.). How to Set Up Mastery-Based Grading in Your Classroom. cultofpedagogy.com from https://www.cultofpedagogy.com/mastery-based-grading/
Overview of the Four-Point Scale and Standards-Based Grading. (n.d.). gatewaypublicschools.org from https://gatewaypublicschools.org/sites/default/files/inline-files/gms_grading_and_four_point_scale_overview_for_families_17-18.pdf
Tucker, C. (n.d.). Grading for Mastery and Redesigning My Gradebook. catlintucker.com from https://catlintucker.com/2015/08/grading-for-mastery-and-redesigning-my-gradebook/
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