4 Fridays, 1:00-3:00 p.m., April 25, May 2, 23 & 30 on Teams and Canvas
Are you seeking innovative grading methods to improve student engagement and learning outcomes? Have you been curious about alternative grading practices like ungrading or labor-based grading but aren’t sure how to implement them effectively? Do you wish to join a community of educators to share experiences, challenges, and successes in adopting these practices? Have you been burdened by the established assessment norms in our educational system and want to disrupt the White supremacy embodied in our grading standards? Whether you’re new to alternative grading or have been practicing it for years, this four-session roundtable series offers an opportunity to deepen your understanding and contribute to a community committed to transforming education for the better.
Co-facilitated by Sandi Xhumari (Math) and Zhenzhen He-Weatherford (English), both of whom have been pioneering alternative grading practices in their fields for over four years, this series aims to create a supportive space where instructors can explore and discuss equity-minded grading approaches. Alternative grading practices are not only transformative tools for enhancing teaching and learning but also powerful means to address systemic inequities in education. The traditional grading system often reinforces barriers that hinder the success of all students, particularly those from marginalized communities. By rethinking how we assess learning, we can promote a more inclusive and motivating educational environment.
In this roundtable, we will delve into practical strategies for implementing alternative grading methods and examine how these practices intersect with antiracist teaching. The American educational system has historically centered Whiteness and marginalized BIPoC students. As agents of this system, all of us—including instructors of color—have been, and continue to be, complicit in this educational legacy. Recognizing our impact as institutional actors is necessary for interrupting the culture of White supremacy in our minds, classrooms, and institutions. Join us in fostering equitable learning spaces and transforming education through innovative assessment practices.
10 PD Hours and $300 stipend available for attending at least 3 of 4 sessions, completing 80% of the activities, and a final reflection
8 Seats: Register to receive Teams link
For more information, contact Zhenzhen He-Weatherford, English, and Sandi Xhumari, Math
Last Updated April 14, 2025