How to Stop Point-Chasing & Start Learning

In this S2E6 Schoolutions Teaching Strategies conversation, Sarah M. Zerwin reveals why traditional grading systems are failing our students and how to create classrooms where real learning thrives. Discover how one master educator transformed her classroom by eliminating the "points for compliance" system that's been damaging student motivation and engagement for decades. Sarah shares practical strategies that work across all grade levels and content areas.🔥 What You'll Learn:• Why traditional grading systems reward compliance over learning• The historical origins of our broken educational measurement system• How to shift from evaluation to meaningful feedback that inspires students• Practical strategies for managing the gradebook without destroying student motivation• The coaching metaphor that will revolutionize your teaching approach• How to navigate district requirements while prioritizing student engagementSarah's approach addresses low engagement by focusing on intrinsic student motivation rather than external rewards. Her methods support culturally responsive teaching, equity in education, and creating inclusive classrooms where every student can thrive.Chapters:0:00 Introduction to Sarah M. Zerwin2:19 The Problem with Point-Chasing Behaviors  5:11 Historical Origins of Traditional Grading8:14 Compliance vs. Proficiency in Education10:47 Navigating District Obstacles to Change13:12 The Myth of Standards-Based Grading15:16 The Coach-Athlete Teaching Metaphor18:14 What's Actually Required vs. Phantom Policy20:48 Reimagining Assignments Without Reinventing Everything24:59 How to Use Your Gradebook Differently31:56 Redefining Feedback as Description, Not Evaluation35:46 Sharing the Feedback Load with Students39:29 Spreading Pointless Grading Across Content Areas42:15 Final Thoughts on Process Over ProductEpisode Mentions:Sarah’s Website Resource Page: Point-less Grading in General, Language Arts, Science, and Math; Teaching Writing; Teaching Reading; WorkshopAlfie Kohn - The Case Against GradesPhantom Policy Learning Goals (AP Lit / 9th-12th Grades)Grading Explanations (LA 12 / AP Lit)  For Students and Caregivers: Regarding GradesKey to What You’ll See in the GradebookInfinite Campus GradebookDeveloping Grading and Reporting Systems for Student LearningPoint-Less: An English Teacher’s Guide to More Meaningful Grading (2020)When teachers, coaches, administrators, and families grow together, they create schools where everyone is inspired and every student is fully engaged, supported, and ready to thrive.