Grading in Inclusive Classrooms
This T/TAC W&M Considerations Packet provides basic information about grading for educators
teaching students with disabilities in general education settings. Topics include typical questions that
teachers ask when grading students with disabilities in general education settings, effective grading
practices, and alternative approaches to student evaluation. A process for grading in co-taught classes
is also explored.
There are myriad perspectives on grading students with disabilities in inclusive settings. These
differing philosophies often conflict with one another and can make assessing student progress a tense,
stressful process for all involved. For general and special educators who are collaborating and coteaching,
a fair and acceptable grading system must be agreed-upon prior to grading. Above all, the
grading system must be aligned with best practices, legal guidelines, and the individual needs of
students participating in the inclusive setting (Salend, 2005).
The following questions and suggested answers below may be used to guide the discussion and
decisions related to grading students with disabilities:
• Is it fair to use different standards to evaluate students with disabilities in the general education
classroom (Wood, 1998)?
• Who will be responsible for grading and grade assignment of students with disabilities?
• What are the grading policies and practices?
• Who will determine grading adaptations? What are examples of grading adaptations?
• What are effective instructional practices that support teaching, learning, and grading
processes?
• What process for grading will be followed (Wood, 1998)?