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David Clark

@dccmath.bsky.social

1.2K followers 84 following 587 posts

Mathematician at GVSU, but all views are my own. Author of Grading for Growth, the book and the blog! Blog: gradingforgrowth.com Book: www.routledge.com/9781642673814 Info: sites.google.com/mail.gvsu.edu/clar…

Posts Replies Media

Reposted by David Clark

Josh Eyler @josheyler.bsky.social · 18/06/2026

My op-ed about Harvard and its new grade cap is out today in The Hill. I’d love to hear what you think. thehill.com/opinion/educ...

Harvard’s new cap on ‘A’ grades is doomed to fail

We know now from decades of research that grades are not scientific or objective measurements of student learning.

Reposted by David Clark

Drew Lewis @drew-lewis.com · 21/05/2026

Apropos of nothing, if you think grades should reflect actual student learning rather than arbitrary institutional policies, I'd like to invite you to join us at the Grading Conference June 16--18

centerforgradingreform.org

Reposted by David Clark

Josh Eyler @josheyler.bsky.social · 20/05/2026

Yep, I've been trying to communicate in as many forums as possible that this is a terrible idea. Princeton tried it from 2004-14 and it failed horrendously. Faculty voted unanimously to revoke it. The A cap fails at every place it is tried.

David Clark @dccmath.bsky.social · 18/05/2026

Today on Grading for Growth, a guest post on Dave Musicant about how reframing his approach to alternative grading improved student perceptions.

gradingforgrowth.com

Focus on opportunity, not cost

How some simple tweaks to alternative grading systems can significantly improve student perceptions

David Clark @dccmath.bsky.social · 11/05/2026

Today on Grading for Growth, I reflect on the past year of teaching (4 preps!): Some surprises, some learning, and some future directions.

gradingforgrowth.com

Reflections on a year of alternative grading

A 3x3x3 reflection on what I did this year, how it went, and where I'm going next

Reposted by David Clark

David Clark @dccmath.bsky.social · 20/04/2026

Today's Grading for Growth guest post is by a team of leading Chemistry education researchers. Working with a huge data set, they found a complex story about alternative grading, final grades, and opportunity gaps: gradingforgrowth.com/p/specificat...

gradingforgrowth.com

Specifications Grading and Equity

A More Complicated Story Than We Hoped

David Clark @dccmath.bsky.social · 20/04/2026

Today's Grading for Growth guest post is by a team of leading Chemistry education researchers. Working with a huge data set, they found a complex story about alternative grading, final grades, and opportunity gaps: gradingforgrowth.com/p/specificat...

gradingforgrowth.com

Specifications Grading and Equity

A More Complicated Story Than We Hoped

David Clark @dccmath.bsky.social · 13/04/2026

Today on Grading for Growth, I talk about something new(-ish) I'm trying in an upper-level class.

gradingforgrowth.com

A timed test of proof and logic without (as much) anxiety

David Clark @dccmath.bsky.social · 12/04/2026

Everything is awful, so it's time for a Things In My Garden That Make Me Happy thread. Hope you enjoy it. Let's start with this Bloodroot, a native wildflower that volunteered in my (city!) shade garden. I think that's a sign that I'm doing it right.

David Clark @dccmath.bsky.social · 06/04/2026

Today on Grading for Growth, our guest poster Katie Baker reflects on the practice and meaning of grading while her college is in the midst of a merger.

gradingforgrowth.com

Finding Meaningful Moments in a Merger

A Shift in Grading in a Smaller Classroom

David Clark @dccmath.bsky.social · 03/04/2026

What would you like to see me write a blog post about? (Alternative-grading related, of course!) I'm at odd ends for my next post and would love to hear your ideas.

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David Clark @dccmath.bsky.social · 30/03/2026

Today on Grading for Growth, an update on one of our oldest posts (from 2021): Rigor -- what is it, does it really mean anything, and how does alternative grading support it?

gradingforgrowth.com

Throwback: Rigor

Seriously, what does that even mean? Anything?

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David Clark @dccmath.bsky.social · 23/03/2026

Want data about how well alternative grading works? Erin Coffman at Indiana University compares data from traditionally graded and alternatively graded sections of a coordinated business course.

gradingforgrowth.com

A/B Testing Alternative Grading

Using data science to evaluate a new grading system

David Clark @dccmath.bsky.social · 16/03/2026

Today on Grading for Growth, I lead you through a week of grading in one of my classes. Philosophy and nitty-gritty details, together!

gradingforgrowth.com

One week of grading

Thoughts, details, and philosophy of grading from one of my classes

David Clark @dccmath.bsky.social · 05/03/2026

News! Grading for Growth is now available as an audiobook! If you prefer listening to case studies, advice, and history of grading, check it out!

Grading for Growth: A Guide to Alternative Grading Practices that Promote Authentic Learning and Student Engagement in Higher Education

Are you satisfied with your current and traditional grading system? Does it accurately reflect your students’ learning and progress? Can it be gamed? Does it lead to grade-grubbing and friction ...

Reposted by David Clark

Shepherd @neolithicsheep.bsky.social · 04/03/2026

If you ever want to read a paper for free and can't find it otherwise, email the lead author and politely ask for a copy. You will not be bothering the person. You will in fact make their whole entire day. I have had scientists get so excited I asked they sent me everything they ever published.

David Clark @dccmath.bsky.social · 23/02/2026

Today on Grading for Growth, Kerry Mandulak shares her path into alternative grading while considering the admissions process for a professional program. gradingforgrowth.com/p/building-c...

gradingforgrowth.com

Building Community as a Catalyst

Advancing Alternative Grading in Speech-Language Pathology from the Ground Up

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David Clark @dccmath.bsky.social · 16/02/2026

Today on Grading for Growth, I write about the importance of sending a consistent message throughout your course design. Here are some ways to support the message of alternative grading.

gradingforgrowth.com

Pairs well with alternative grading

Supporting productive struggle by sending a consistent message

David Clark @dccmath.bsky.social · 09/02/2026

Today on Grading for Growth, a guest post by Ainsley Vergara about her path to using alternative grading in Speech Pathology. gradingforgrowth.com/p/removing-t...

gradingforgrowth.com

Removing the Training Wheels

How I shifted toward student self-assessment and collaborative grading in a pre-professional program

David Clark @dccmath.bsky.social · 26/01/2026

Today on Grading for Growth, a guest post from Acacia Ackles about her own experience of teaching through trauma. gradingforgrowth.com/p/teaching-t...

gradingforgrowth.com

Teaching through trauma

How Grading for Growth Helped Save my Sanity

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David Clark @dccmath.bsky.social · 12/01/2026

Today on Grading for Growth: Halley McCormick describes how she introduces students to the ideas of alternative grading and reinforces those ideas throughout the semester.

gradingforgrowth.com

Communicating Effectively with Students about Alternative Grading

Helping students track their grade and understand its meaning

David Clark @dccmath.bsky.social · 05/01/2026

It's a new year, and I'm in school planning today. Here are six bite-sized alternative grading ideas for the new year: gradingforgrowth.com/p/thoughts-f...

gradingforgrowth.com

Thoughts for the new year

Bite-sized ideas on alternative grading in 2026

David Clark @dccmath.bsky.social · 18/12/2025

I was thinking about writing something up about how I use "base groups" in classes. Turns out Sarah does almost exactly the same thing and has some excellent reflection on it.

David Clark @dccmath.bsky.social · 15/12/2025

It's me! I wrote about how I use IBL, collaborative grading, and much more all together in my favorite course: Euclidean Geometry.

David Clark @dccmath.bsky.social · 15/12/2025

I finally did it: I wrote about AI! Mostly, small changes I made that had a good effect, and the results of a student survey. gradingforgrowth.com/p/small-chan...

gradingforgrowth.com

Small changes to handle AI

What I did this semester to address AI use in one of my classes

Reposted by David Clark

Emily Pitts Donahoe @empittsdonahoe.bsky.social · 12/12/2025

Excited to share a guest post on my blog this week by Jayme Dyer, Katie Mattaini, and Eden Tanner about alt grading in large classes. This is something I get asked about all the time, so I'm glad to have an opportunity to share their work on the topic! emilypittsdonahoe.substack.com/p/alternativ...

emilypittsdonahoe.substack.com

Alternative Grading in Large Classes

How to implement pedagogical values within logistical constraints

David Clark @dccmath.bsky.social · 09/12/2025

This is at least one of the more amusing cybersecurity trainings I've ever done.

A pointer hovering over a link to reveal the address: http://www.russianmafia.ru/stealyourmoney/forgodssakedontclick/

David Clark @dccmath.bsky.social · 01/12/2025

Today on Grading for Growth: Alternative grading in a large multi-section coordinated Calculus course. A guest post by Lucas Quintero and Rebecca Swanson.

gradingforgrowth.com

When Alternative Grading Meets Coordination

Lessons in scaling alternative grading to a multi-section, coordinated Calculus I course

David Clark @dccmath.bsky.social · 30/11/2025

All I want for Christmas is for Santa to force every grad program to put a deadline in their emails. And maybe make the recommendation link clickable.

David Clark @dccmath.bsky.social · 26/11/2025

The two most important parts of Thanksgiving cooking are in progress. (Don't judge my carmelized onions and I won't judge yours!)

A big pan of Chex mix on the left, a frying pan with carmelized onions on the right.

David Clark @dccmath.bsky.social · 24/11/2025

Today on Grading for Growth, I reflect on the importance of community in using alternative grading: gradingforgrowth.com/p/14-ways-to...

gradingforgrowth.com

14 ways to find and build community

The importance of a community of support for alternative grading

David Clark @dccmath.bsky.social · 17/11/2025

Today on Grading for Growth, Greg Crowther shares some data and reflects on the importance of letting students take home and reflect on feedback.

gradingforgrowth.com

Will the circle be unbroken?

Reflections on a recent study of anatomy & physiology instructors

David Clark @dccmath.bsky.social · 03/11/2025

Today on Grading for Growth, Melanie Butler writes a guest post about specifications grading in an asynchronous setting.

gradingforgrowth.com

Specifications Grading in an Asynchronous Liberal Arts Math Course

A multi-year reflection

David Clark @dccmath.bsky.social · 31/10/2025

It finally happened: A student dressed up as me for Halloween.

David Clark @dccmath.bsky.social · 27/10/2025

Today on Grading for Growth, one of the classic examples of how traditional grades don't do what they set out to do. gradingforgrowth.com/p/alice-and-...

gradingforgrowth.com

An example of how traditional grades misrepresent learning

David Clark @dccmath.bsky.social · 13/10/2025

Today on Grading for Growth, Robert continues to discuss deliberate practice and how it interacts with alternative grading.

gradingforgrowth.com

What three research articles on deliberate practice say about grading

The connection between deliberate practice and alternative grading is closer than you might think.

Reposted by David Clark

Emily Pitts Donahoe @empittsdonahoe.bsky.social · 08/10/2025

Only one week left to apply for the Center for Grading Reform's Alternative Grading Institute! This two-day, hands-on, virtual experience offers opportunities to connect grading with your values and design an alt grading system for one of your courses. www.centerforgradingreform.org/alternative-...

centerforgradingreform.org

Alternative Grading Institute

David Clark @dccmath.bsky.social · 06/10/2025

Today on Grading for Growth, a guest post by Jody Langdon on how she uses a (traditional) LMS gradebook to communicate progress in a Specifications Grading setup.

gradingforgrowth.com

Specifications Grading and the LMS Gradebook

Helping Students Understand Their Course Progress

David Clark @dccmath.bsky.social · 02/10/2025

Today in delightful student comments (seriously).

"3 = 0 (bruh)"

David Clark @dccmath.bsky.social · 29/09/2025

Today on Grading for Growth: People sometimes have knee-jerk reactions when they first hear about alternative grading. What can you do?

gradingforgrowth.com

Knee-jerk reactions

Strong, sudden opinions about alternative grading

David Clark @dccmath.bsky.social · 22/09/2025

Today on Grading for Growth, our guest poster Noel Warford describes his first time using alternative grading -- as a brand new faculty member.

gradingforgrowth.com

Using collaborative grading as a new professor

Benefits and challenges of moving away from percentage-based grading

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David Clark @dccmath.bsky.social · 17/09/2025

Alt-graders: I'm working on a post about off-the-cuff dismissals of alternative grading. Negative gut-reactions people have when they first hear about it, and how to respond. What would you include? (My current list is in the next post.) I'm actually hoping it will be a bit light-hearted...

David Clark @dccmath.bsky.social · 15/09/2025

Password requirements for a login I had to set up today. It just keeps getting worse the longer you look (yes, EXACTLY 8 characters in length).

Message(s):
• Enter a new password that is 8 characters in length
• Use letters, numbers or a combination of letters and numbers
• Do NOT use spaces or special characters
• Passwords are case sensitive
• Keep your password in a safe, secure place

David Clark @dccmath.bsky.social · 15/09/2025

Today on Grading for Growth: How could we put deliberate practice into... practice?

gradingforgrowth.com

Can deliberate practice be motivated?

A review of a research paper that studies this question, and what it means for alt-graders

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Reposted by David Clark

Drew Lewis @drew-lewis.com · 10/09/2025

Are you ready to align your grading practices with your values? Join us December 17–18 for the Alternative Grading Institute (online), which will bring together faculty from across higher education for a two-day, hands-on experience in standards-based, specifications, and collaborative grading.

centerforgradingreform.org

Alternative Grading Institute

David Clark @dccmath.bsky.social · 10/09/2025

There's lots to dislike about Blackboard, but here's my most petty complaint of the day: Blackboard literally doesn't allow dates with 4-digit years. You can ONLY enter 2-digit years.

A date text box with "9/17/2025" entered, and an error in red: "Enter a valid date format mm/dd/yy"

David Clark @dccmath.bsky.social · 08/09/2025

Today on Grading for Growth, a guest post by Jane Wageman: How can you keep track of how students change and grow during the writing process?

gradingforgrowth.com

Feedback, revisions, and the writing process

Tracking growth across drafts in an undergraduate research course

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David Clark @dccmath.bsky.social · 27/08/2025

Grand Rapids's flag, officially showing our famous Calder statue against the river, is almost universally known as the "bloody saber-tooth pac-man".

David Clark @dccmath.bsky.social · 25/08/2025

This morning on Grading for Growth: Alternative grading in a large online asynchronous credit/no-credit class for graduate TAs.

gradingforgrowth.com

Helping new TAs find value in required training

How alternative grading increased satisfaction in a large online, asynchronous, pass/fail course

David Clark @dccmath.bsky.social · 11/08/2025

Today on Grading for Growth: Gateways, not gatekeeping. Maybe a bit relevant right now.

gradingforgrowth.com

Throwback: Gateways, not gatekeeping

Or, how not to scare away new alternative graders