Every Grading Method, Backed by Research

Low-stakes feedback with effect sizes of 0.4–0.7. Exit tickets, draft feedback, and check-ins that drive real learning gains.

Best for: Draft feedback, exit tickets, check-ins

4-point proficiency scales tied to specific learning standards. Measures what students know, not when they learned it.

Best for: CCSS, NGSS, state standards alignment

Track student growth over time with curated work collections. Effect size 0.573 across 18 studies.

Best for: Growth tracking, writing portfolios

Feldman's 3 pillars: accuracy, bias-resistance, intrinsic motivation. Schools see D/F rates drop 20–40%.

Best for: Bias reduction, grade equity

From PEG (1966) to modern LLMs. Hybrid approaches achieve QWK 0.941 — matching human-to-human agreement.

Best for: Essay grading at scale

Describes only proficiency, leaving space for personalized feedback. The teacher-favorite alternative to complex rubrics.

Best for: Personalized, growth-oriented feedback

Bloom's mastery learning framework. Positive effects across 108 studies. Students prove what they know on their timeline.

Best for: Reassessment, competency-based

Rubrics improve inter-rater reliability by 40%+. Choose from 400+ templates or generate custom rubrics with AI.

Best for: Consistent scoring, 400+ rubric templates

Comments-only feedback outperforms grades (Butler, 1988). Rich narrative feedback without scores attached.

Best for: Narrative feedback, self-assessment

3x faster than analytic scoring. Evaluates writing as a unified whole — ideal for timed writing and placement tests.

Best for: Timed writing, state tests, placement

Structured protocols (TAG, Stars & Wishes, PQP) that develop critical thinking while improving writing quality.

Best for: Writing workshops, collaboration

Criterion-by-criterion scoring for 85%+ inter-rater reliability. Each dimension scored independently with specific feedback.

Best for: Detailed diagnostic feedback

Nilson's pass/fail per assignment with bundles and tokens. 90+ publications show higher quality work and less anxiety.

Best for: Clear specs, reduced grade anxiety

Fair assessment that separates content knowledge from language proficiency. WIDA-aligned strategies and AI accommodations.

Best for: English learners, linguistic equity