Imagine a school where grades reward collaboration, character, and genuine mastery—not just memorization and speed. In this episode, Dean of Academics Marc Aronson shares how his school rethought assessment through Grading What Matters, a framework focused on authentic learning, student agency, and mission-aligned outcomes.
We explore Final Demonstrations of Learning instead of exams, a Community of Learners model that grades students on contribution and engagement, and a fully open honors pathway where any student can earn honors inside their regular class.
Drawing from research by Grant Wiggins and Eric Mazur, Marc explains why performance assessments build deeper learning, why narrative feedback matters more than percentages, and how shifting to mission-based grading builds belonging, confidence, and durable skills.
What you’ll learn:
• How to design authentic assessments & FDOLs
• How to grade collaboration and community contribution
• Why narrative feedback drives real motivation
• Practical steps to begin grading what truly matters
If grades shape how students see themselves, let them measure what counts: mastery, growth, and contribution.
