Rather than emphasizing grades such as test scores, the portfolio approach relies more on holistic grades. This encourages reflective teaching, learning, and assessment. Teachers establish criteria for successful attainment of competencies prior to instruction so that students know what is expected. Students then receive grades based on their progress in reaching specified criterion levels for each competency or skill. Teachers often list the required competencies on a checklist, which helps monitor student progress.
Teachers assign grades according to the number of successfully mastered skills.
Point Systems Point systems assign points for successfully completing learning activities, tests, and assignments. Students can earn all the points or partial points for each assignment. Students receive an overall grade based-on the total points earned. Contract Grading Contract grading involves having the teacher and the student sign a contract that describes the work that the student will complete within a specified time period. The contract is written and signed prior to instruction.