Standards-Based Grading

Ruminate and Respond

Consider what you’ve learned in this chapter, and individually or with your team, answer the following questions. 1. Why is classroom language so vital to learning?

2. Think about the language you use in your classroom. Does it reflect a not-yet approach? If not, why not? If so, how do you know?

3. How do you help your students understand the value of a practical classroom?

4. What are some things you could do to remove deficit-focused language in your disciplinary instruction?

5. If you were to add two more examples to table 5.1 (page 87), what might they be?

Not Yet . . .

And That’s OK How Productive Struggle Fosters Student Learning

Every learning challenge is an empowering opportunity to grow. In Not Yet . . . And That’s OK: How Productive Struggle Fosters Student Learning, author Peg Grafwallner turns the idea of failure on its head by offering teachers practical strategies and tools that encourage students to engage in a not-yet approach to learning. By learning to expect and overcome personal barriers to growth in the classroom, students in grades 3–12 come to celebrate the academic experience and all it has to offer as they develop into capable and autonomous learners and risk takers. Readers will: • Establish a classroom culture and routines that normalize productive struggle as part of the learning process • Discover how to write and apply student-friendly, vigorous learning intentions and scaffolded success criteria • Study classroom scenarios and authentic, firsthand looks at educators demonstrating the not-yet approach to learning • Foster positive relationships by improving communication with colleagues, students, and parents and guardians • Receive strategies, protocols, and reproducibles that support instruction, reflection, and the not-yet approach

“This is an extraordinary book, research based, classroom perfected, and perfect for now. I love Peg’s not-yet approach, which de-emphasizes grading in favor of impactful feedback, intentional reflection, and much more. This approach, which she supports with useful templates and real-world success stories, will help all students reach their potential, overcoming obstacles along the way.”

Rita M. Wirtz,

Former Principal and Author, Reading Champions! Teaching Reading Made Easy

“Not Yet . . . And That’s OK is a timely book for educators as they address gaps in learning. . . . Along with research-based findings, Peg Grafwallner has also incorporated practical, implementable ideas by including templates and suggestions from teachers. This book is a perfect resource for a book discussion, with thoughtful questions at the end of each chapter.”

Rebecca Stobaugh,

Author, Fifty Strategies to Boost Cognitive Engagement: Creating a Thinking Culture in the Classroom

“Not Yet . . . And That’s OK demonstrates the why and how of creating resilient learners through the power of yet. The book is written practically and is a must-read for any educator who is eager to help students overcome the kinds of learning struggles that will surely bring success to their future.”

Starr Sackstein,

Author, Assessing With Respect: Everyday Practices That Meet Students’ Social and Emotional Needs and Hacking Assessment: Ten Ways to Go Gradeless in a Traditional Grades School