What If Grades Were Feedback?

Summary of Livers, Walker, & Byrd (2024)

Background & Existing Knowledge
Traditional grading can discourage learning and risk student motivation. A feedback-centered approach offers a growth-oriented alternative.

New Insights from This Study
✔ (Up)Grading practices enhanced student reflection, agency, and ownership.
✔ Teachers used narrative feedback, conferencing, and goal-setting instead of scores.
✔ Students valued clarity and opportunity to revise.

Practical Applications: How Educators Can Use This Research

Redefine Assessment
📌 Use feedback loops instead of points.
📌 Provide clear criteria and specific next steps.
📌 Invite revision and reflection as part of grading.

Student Agency
📌 Involve students in self-assessment and tracking progress.
📌 Use portfolios to show learning over time.
📌 Hold conferences to discuss growth and goals.

Grading Culture Shift
📌 Communicate expectations with families and school leaders.
📌 Pilot upgrading in low-stakes contexts.
📌 Train staff in feedback literacy.

Conclusion
Replacing grades with meaningful feedback fosters a growth mindset and strengthens student ownership of learning.

Key Words
feedback-based assessment, upgrading, student agency, reflection, instructional reform

Reference
Livers, S. D., Walker, D. A., & Byrd, M. (2024). (Up)Grading: Empowering Students Through Feedback-Driven Assessment. Educational Leadership Review, 25(2), 109–126.

Suggested Citation
Ross, E. M., & Malar, D. B. J. (2025). What If Grades Were Feedback? Excellent Educator, 2(11), 5.