Functions of Grading and Reporting Systems

1. Improve students’ learning by:
• clarifying instructional objectives for them
• showing students’ strengths & weaknesses
• providing information on personal-social development
• enhancing students’ motivation (e.g., short-term goals)
• indicating where teaching might be modified

Best achieved by:

·         day-to-day tests and feedback

·         plus periodic integrated summaries

2. Reports to parents/guardians

·         Communicates objectives to parents, so they can help promote learning

·         Communicates how well objectives being met, so parents can better plan

3. Administrative and guidance uses

·         Help decide promotion, graduation, honors

·         Report achievement to other schools or to employers

·         Provide input for realistic educational, vocational, and personal counseling