Assessment FAQs

My district evaluates students by assigning traditional letter grades. How should I evaluate student performance?

Because local assessment systems are based on local norms and values, it would be impossible to design a system that would apply universally. But the authors of Everyday Mathematics recognize that many teachers are required by their districts to give traditional grades. And although it is impossible to design a single grading system that will work for everyone, there are some broad principles to follow:

• Grades should be fair and based on evidence that can be documented.
• Evidence for grading should come from multiple sources.
• Grades should be based on content that is important. They should not be based only on the content that is most easily assessed.
• The grading system should be aligned with both state and local standards and with the curriculum.