The Assignment Mastery Score is a number based on the average feedback provided to the student in an assignment.
Teachers should use the Assignment Mastery Score as a tool to help assess a student’s mastery of learning objectives or when including a Notebook assignment in their grade book.
Assignment Mastery Score Guide
| 1.0 - 1.9 | Little or no mastery |
| 2.0 - 2.9 | Partial mastery or approaching mastery |
| 3.0 - 3.6 | Meets expectations for mastery |
| 3.7 - 4.0 | Exceeds expectations for mastery |
How is the Assignment Mastery Score calculated?
Teachers can use the Quick Feedback Buttons in an assignment to provide feedback to students. The Assignment Mastery Score uses the following values to calculate the average feedback given to the students on the assignment.
| Working On It | 1.0 |
| Almost There | 2.0 |
| You Got It | 3.0 |
| Above and Beyond | 4.0 |
For example, in the screenshot below the teacher provided feedback to five cards in Student 1's assignment. The Assignment Mastery Score is 2.2 and is the average feedback provided on each card, using the values above.
What about zeros or feedback not provided?
There are no zeros calculated in the Assignment Mastery Score. If a student does not complete a section of the card we recommend you do not provide one of the quick feedback buttons as the Assignment Mastery Score is meant to summarize work the students completed.
A Student Participation Summary is an upcoming feature in the Assignment Dashboard that can be used as a tool to assess student participation.
Note: Student's will only see the phrases from the feedback buttons (Working On It, Almost There, etc.) and do not see the numerical values of the feedback buttons (1.0, 2.0, etc.)
Can I use the Assignment Mastery Score in my gradebook?
Yes! It's up to you how exactly you want to use the Assignment Mastery Score in your gradebook. It is meant to be a formative tool that helps you see where students are at for specific assignments. Future updates will provide CSV downloads of the Assignment Mastery Score for easy uploads to any gradebook or LMS system. Passing the Assignment Mastery Score directly to your LMS automatically will be available for next school year depending on the LMS you use and your Notebook Pro+Curriculum plan.
This feature seems similar to Standards-Based Grading. Is this a form of Standards-Based Grading?
It is similar in that it is a system for helping you assess how a student is performing a certain learning objective or lesson at a specific time. However, it is still a mastery score for an entire assignment, which may or may not have multiple learning objectives within that assignment. Traditionally, Standards-Based Grading provides assessments on each specific learning objective. PocketLab Notebook will continue to build on this feature to provide more systems for assessing student learning. If you want to learn more about Standards-Based Grading, read the summary below.
Understanding Standards-Based Grading
At its core, Standards-Based Grading shifts the focus from traditional grading systems, which often rely on cumulative scores and averages, to a more granular and informative evaluation based on specific learning objectives or standards. Instead of receiving a single grade for an assignment or test, students are assessed on their mastery of individual skills or knowledge areas.
Utilizing educational technology tools can streamline the assessment and feedback processes in SBG. Online platforms and grading software can help manage and organize data related to learning standards.
Key Components of Standards-Based Grading:
1. Learning Standards:
Standards-Based Grading begins with clearly defined learning standards, which are specific, measurable, and observable objectives outlining what students should know and be able to do. These standards are typically aligned with educational standards and curricular goals.
2. Objective Assessments:
Assessment in SBG is designed to evaluate student proficiency in each learning standard. Rather than assigning an overall grade, assessments target specific skills or knowledge areas. This allows educators to pinpoint strengths and weaknesses in a student's understanding.
3. Multiple Opportunities for Assessment:
SBG often incorporates multiple opportunities for students to demonstrate mastery. This approach recognizes that learning is a continuous process and provides students with chances to improve their understanding over time.
4. Feedback and Growth:
Continuous feedback is a cornerstone of Standards-Based Grading. Instead of merely receiving a grade, students are provided with detailed feedback on their performance in relation to each learning standard. This emphasis on feedback fosters a growth mindset, encouraging students to learn from mistakes and strive for improvement.
Benefits of Standards-Based Grading:
1. Precision in Assessment:
SBG provides a more nuanced understanding of students' strengths and weaknesses by breaking down the assessment into specific learning standards. This precision allows educators, students, and parents to identify areas for improvement more effectively.
2. Focus on Mastery:
The primary goal of Standards-Based Grading is to assess mastery of content. This shift from point accumulation to skill acquisition ensures that students are truly grasping the material, promoting a deeper understanding of the subject matter.
3. Individualized Learning:
The emphasis on specific learning standards allows for a more individualized approach to education. Teachers can tailor instruction to address the unique needs of each student, promoting personalized learning experiences.
4. Transparency and Communication:
SBG fosters transparent communication about student progress. Parents, educators, and students can readily understand which skills or concepts have been mastered and where improvement is needed, facilitating informed discussions about academic development.