Garth L. Larson & Tom Hierck 
Grading for Impact [EPUB ebook] 
Raising Student Achievement Through a Target-Based Assessment and Learning System

Foreword by Myron Dueck
Acknowledgments
Introduction
Understanding the Purpose of This Book
Broad History of Assessment (For, Of, As)
Intended Purpose and Audience (Why, How, and What Next)
Embedded Case Study Within This Book
About the Authors
Chapter 1. Introduction and Rationale for Grading Reform Through Target-Based Assessment, Grading, and Reporting
What Is Target-Based Assessment, Grading, and Reporting?
How Is Target-Based Assessment and Grading Different From Standards-Based Assessment and Grading?
What Is Target-Based Reporting?
Why Target-Based Assessment, Grading, and Reporting?
Grades That Are Supportive of Learning
Conclusion
Chapter 2. Key Characteristics When Grading for Impact
Components of Target-Based Assessment, Grading, and Reporting Systems
How to Gather Evidence of Learning
Data Supporting Increases in Student Learning
Challenges With Target-Based Assessment, Grading, and Reporting
How Target-Based Assessment and Grading Was Born in Winneconne, Wisconsin
Winneconne Community School District (WI) Case Study (The HOW)
A Simplified Process for Target-Based Assessment, Grading, and Reporting in Collaborative Teams (How to Actually Do This Work)
Conclusion
Chapter 3. Prioritizing Instruction: Building From the Standards to Determine Your Targets
A Process for Prioritizing Instruction and Standards (From the 13 Steps to Target-Based Grading)
Conclusion
Chapter 4. Building High-Quality Learning Targets Based on Prioritized Standards
A Process for Writing Clear Learning Targets
Elementary Learning Target Examples
Middle School Learning Target Examples
High School Learning Target Examples
Conclusion
Chapter 5. Organizing Learning Targets in a Target-Based System
Proficiency Scales Versus Proficiency Targets
Conclusion
Chapter 6. Building High-Quality Assessments Aligned to Learning Targets
Using Assessment as Evidence Gathering
A Different Way of Thinking About Assessment (Hiring Committees)
Conclusion
Chapter 7. Providing Feedback and Aligning Reassessment
Designing Units of Instruction
Design Learning-Target-Specific Units of Instruction
Conclusion
Chapter 8. Communicating Achievement in a Target-Based Grading System
Purposes of Grading and Reporting
Frequency of Reporting
Example of PAW in Mastery Connect
Conclusion
Conclusion
A Call to Leadership!
References
Index

Tom Hierck has been an educator since 1983 in a career that has spanned all grade levels and many roles in public education. His experiences as a teacher, an administrator, a district leader, a department of education project leader, and an executive director have provided a unique context for his education philosophy. Tom is a compelling presenter, infusing his message of hope with strategies culled from the real world. He understands that educators face unprecedented challenges and knows which strategies will best serve learning communities. Tom has presented to schools and districts across North America with a message of celebration for educators seeking to make a difference in the lives of students. His dynamic presentations explore the importance of positive learning environments and the role of assessment to improve student learning. His belief that “every student is a success story waiting to be told” has led him to work with teachers and administrators to create positive school cultures and build effective relationships that facilitate learning for all students. Tom Hierck’s blog can be found at tomhierck.com/blog/.