Are there any examples of educational institutions who have changed their grading practices to reflect student Growth over achievement?

Answer: Growth-based grading practices can significantly enhance student achievement by focusing on individual progress and fostering a growth mindset. Here are some effective grading practices that reflect student growth.   Emphasize Mastery Over Time: Rather than relying solely on one-time assessments, implement a system that allows students to demonstrate mastery of concepts over time; Use spiral curriculum and assessment, revisiting key concepts throughout the term; Provide multiple opportunities for students to demonstrate mastery of skills; Allow students to improve their grades by showing progress in areas they initially struggled with.  Focus on Formative Assessment: Shift the emphasis from summative grades to ongoing formative assessment; Limit grading to summative assessments only, reducing the overall number of grades; Use low-stakes learning periods when introducing new topics, creating a safe space for mistakes; Provide specific feedback to guide students' learning rather than just assigning grades; Implement Standards-Based Grading; Align grading practices with clear learning objectives; Use rubrics with kid-friendly language to make standards transparent; Grade based on mastery of specific skills and learning objectives rather than task completion; Ensure that grades accurately reflect student achievement relative to standards.  Encourage Self-Assessment and Reflection: Involve students in the assessment process to promote ownership of their learning: Teach metacognition skills and encourage students to assess their progress; Use regular check-ins and reflection exercises to celebrate milestones; Conduct student conferences to discuss growth areas and set personal goals. Provide Growth-Oriented Feedback: Frame feedback in terms of growth and improvement; Use language that emphasizes progress and learning strategies rather than fixed abilities; Offer specific suggestions for improvement alongside recognition of effort and progress; Maintain records of student conferences and feedback to track growth over time; Adjust Grading Scales: Modify traditional grading scales to better reflect growth; Consider using a point system that allows for cumulative growth throughout the term; Implement a grading component that recognizes individual progress; Allow for grade changes when students later demonstrate mastery of previously challenging concepts; By implementing these growth-based grading practices, educators can create a learning environment that values progress, fosters intrinsic motivation, and ultimately leads to greater student achievement. This approach measures academic performance and cultivates essential skills like resilience, self-reflection, and a lifelong love for learning.