Hacking Assessment: 10 Ways to Go Gradeless in a Traditional Grades School (Hack Learning Series)

While the 10 "hacks" are generally quite easy to understand in theory, putting them into practice would likely be much more efficient if the author had provided more samples. For example, I would like to have seen more examples of sample forms such as conference forms, progress-tracking samples, and so on. More examples and ideas from a wider variety of disciplines would also facilitate implementation (most were from English or other Humanities).

Many educators wonder why students are lacking in motivation; why they aren't engaged in their learning. A major part of this lack of engagement comes from the culture of compliance our schools are based around... and there is a major difference between compliance and engagement. Starr Sackstein's "Hacking Assessment" brings to life a world without grades, and shows how this construct of grading is based more on assumption and presumption than actual evidence. Further, it shines a light on the fact that grades are not motivators of learning; environments are. Grades aren't needed to measure learning; feedback and clear communication is. A great read for any educator or parent wondering why their student may not be "buying in" to what schools are selling.

At nearly every school, an incredible amount of time is spent assessing student learning. And it should be. But yhe feedback provided to students does not always help push student learning forward in the ways we would like.

Starr Sackstein's "Hacking Education" provides teachers a number of entry points into a better way of assessment--one free from grades and full of meaningful feedback that pushes learning forward.

If you're a teacher reading this, you've likely already had a knee jerk reaction to the notion of a classroom without grades. I did too, but "Hacking Assessment" was the right introduction to the conversation. I appreciate the way Sackstein includes typical push back and offers possible responses and solutions to those who are making the jump. She does so in a way that acknowledges the risks a teacher is taking in this effort but focuses on the rewards for all those involved if the transition is successful.

"Hacking Assessment" is a book that pushed my thinking and it's one that I am quick to hand to teachers to pique their interest or support them in their exploration of the gradeless classroom.

There is a reason teachers are always looking for different ways to grade student work, easier ways, more efficient ways, more objective ways. There is a reason why the grading stacks up or teachers end up "just giving a participation grade." The truth is that grading student work is the problem. We should be helping students learn and hone skills, not label their products, thereby labeling the students.
There is a growing trend of educators recognizing that throwing out the grade book and helping students assess their own learning is the most beneficial of all. Sackstein is leading those. That's not to say she is the only leader, but "Hacking Assessment" is the culmination of Sackstein's research, experience, and reflection put together for us in an easy-to-understand guide. Whether you've been looking into the No Grades trend for a while and you're ready to reinvent your classes or you're in a element that won't allow a complete overhaul, there is something here for you - things you can implement tomorrow, and lots you can implement later. Like the differentiation Sackstein's suggestions address, you can take it at your own pace.
I love the how-I-implement-this examples provided by Sackstein and other successful educators. Consider getting the physical copy so you can underline, highlight, dog-ear and bookmark the stuff you'll want to flip back to.

This is an awesome book full of suggestions and implementation strategies for how to go gradeless. Perfect for setting up a project-based, reflection-based, type of classroom. Suggestions do seemed geared more towards middle and high school teachers, which I am not, but I was still very pleased.

This book was a great validation of some ideas i had, but wasn't sure about implementing at first. I started a gradeless classroom before reading this book and sometimes questioned my methods, but as i read this book, I realized I was already doing many of the Hacks described! This book gave me the encouragement to continue with the gradeless classroom and one-on-one meetings with students as they self-assessed their skills. Students were more willing to take risks and try something new with this style of classroom. Students took pride and ownership of their work and are actually very critical of themselves, which pushes them to try something new for their next project. The best part - my class is made of of seniors and they could have easily challenged this new idea or slacked with senioritis, but they didn't - this class has become one of the highlights of my day!

This book far exceeded my expectations in providing innovative ways to get students to self-evaluate and constantly look for ways to improve the quality of their writing.

This is a great book for anyone looking to assess differently. I personally hate grading but my school requires it. We’re supposed to post one grade each week for each student. Just imagine how awesome your class could be if you could actually differentiate assessment towards each student and their unique style of learning. Well this book gives you the opportunity to do just that have the ideal perfect classroom without students memorizing facts. In the case of this book you could assess students on the application of their knowledge. Love this idea but unable to fully implement in my classroom. 😟

Everyone in education should read this book!

I read this before I knew we were going virtual for the fall and I’m glad I did. Has a number of quick hacks to helping me through the grade lees approach even though I really won’t be able to go “all the way”