158 - Reflection is the Real Revision: Six Years of Standards-Based Grading

158 - Reflection is the Real Revision: Six Years of Standards-Based Grading

From The Grading Podcast by Sharona Krinsky and Robert Bosley

July 21, 2026 · 46 min · Episode 158

About this episode

The episode explores the evolution of alternative grading systems through a six-year retrospective by Hilary Freeman, emphasizing reflection and continuous improvement in course design.

Alternative grading systems are never really finished. They evolve as instructors learn more about their students, their courses, and their own teaching. In this reflective episode, Sharona and Boz use a recent six-year retrospective by mathematics instructor Hilary Freeman as a springboard for exploring what long-term iteration looks like in practice. Rather than focusing on how to implement an alternative grading system for the first time, the conversation examines the kinds of questions that emerge only after years of experience: Which parts of a grading system become simpler? Which become more sophisticated? And how do changing technologies, student needs, and classroom contexts continue to reshape even well-established courses? Through the lens of one instructor's journey, the hosts invite listeners to think of course design as an ongoing process of reflection, experimentation, and continuous improvement rather than a destination. Links Please note - any books linked here are likely Amazon Associates links. Clicking on them and purchasing through them helps support the show. Thanks for your support! Standards-Based Grading Six Years Later , by Hilary Freeman on the Grading…

More episodes of The Grading Podcast

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the The Grading Podcast podcast page.