Chapter Thirteen: Gradebook Formats for the Differentiated Classroom

Chapter thirteen of Fair Isn't Always Equal describes the grade book that will best serve a differentiated classroom. Usually, all forms of grade books are effective because it is only recording the final performances and achievements. The examples of grade book formats were grouping assignments by standards, objectives, or benchmarks, weight or category, listing examples by date, or topic-based. I found every one of these suggestions to be very helpful methods to exercise in differentiated classrooms. My mentor teacher uses his grade book format categorized to tests, quizzes, and homework grades. I noticed that this was very effective for him. I personally love weight grading because it allows each assignment to have worth and meaning to the students. Because there are so many points that a student can receive for the assignment, I can take off less points when they have a emergency and have to turn in the assignment a day or two late. This way, I will not be misrepresenting the student's mastery of the content.