“How do you track progress if you don’t use grades?”
We get asked this question a lot.
Acton doesn’t use either version of traditional education’s grades. We don’t have a 2nd or 3rd grade, we have an Elementary Studio (it may be broken up into Lower Elementary and Upper). We also don’t have grades like As or Fs.
This isn’t some fad. We reject letter grades. They’re terrible at measuring progress and effort, they aren’t motivating for most children, and they’re typically coupled with assignments and tests that aren’t measuring actual learning. We reject grade levels because children are simply passed through the system, whether or not they grasped the concepts from the previous year.
Instead, we use three methods to measure progress: Points, Badges, and Peer Reviews.
1. Points measure effort and focus.
At Acton Academy, they believe that every student’s journey is unique, and the traditional grading system may not accurately reflect their true potential. Instead of assigning letter grades, Acton Academy uses a point system to measure students’ effort and focus.
Points are like a currency at our Acton Academy. They represent the hard work and dedication you put into your learning journey. The more points you accumulate, the more Freedom Levels you earn.
Freedom Levels give you access to more options, like being able to work on your Core Skills in a different room or even outside. They are an incentive that a child can choose to strive for. And if you’re the only child who hasn’t earned the necessary Freedom Levels to be able to join everyone else outside, you’ll be highly motivated to earn them, much more than a grade.
This freedom encourages learners to take responsibility for their education and manage their time efficiently. It empowers them to explore their interests and passions, ultimately fostering a love for learning that goes beyond the classroom.
2. Badges: Recognizing Excellence
In the Acton Academy education system, progress is not only measured by points but also by earning badges. These badges are a symbol of excellence and mastery in specific areas of study.
Let’s think of Acton Academy as a journey through different “studios” rather than traditional grade levels. To move from one studio to the next, students must earn specific badges. For instance, if you haven’t completed your “5th-grade math” badge, you won’t progress to the Middle School Studio.
Badges provide a clear and tangible way for students to see their growth and development. They serve as a source of motivation and a reminder that every step forward is a step closer to achieving their goals. This system also eliminates the need for arbitrary grade levels and allows students to advance at their own pace, ensuring they are fully prepared for the challenges that lie ahead.
3. Peer Reviews: Measuring Character Growth
Acton Academy goes beyond academic achievements and recognizes the importance of character development. In this system, character is measured through peer reviews, which evaluate attributes like growth, warm-heartedness, and tough-mindedness.
Peer reviews are a unique aspect of Acton Academy, as they encourage students to actively build a tribe—a supportive community of peers who help each other grow. It’s not just about personal growth but also about fostering a sense of responsibility towards others. The process of giving and receiving feedback becomes a valuable skill that students carry with them throughout their lives.
By actively participating in peer reviews, students learn to appreciate the power of collaboration, empathy, and constructive criticism. These skills are essential in building well-rounded individuals who are not only academically proficient but also socially and emotionally intelligent.
As Laura Sandefer, one of the original co-founders of Acton Academy, aptly puts it, “Acton measures more than any learning community on the face of the earth.” This statement reflects the depth and breadth of what Acton Academy’s unique approach to education measures, compared to traditional grading systems.
In conclusion, Acton Academy is breaking away from the conventional grading system to provide a more holistic, student-centered approach to education. Points, badges, and peer reviews empower students to take control of their learning, recognize their achievements, and build their character. By doing so, Acton Academy prepares students not just for academic success but for a future where adaptability, creativity, and self-driven learning are key.
In the words of Laura Sandefer, Acton Academy measures not only what can be quantified but also the intangible qualities that make each student a unique and capable individual. It is a place where students are not just educated but inspired to become heroes who can change the world.
How do we track progress when we don’t use grades?
- Points to measure effort and focus
- Badges to measure excellent work
- Peer reviews to measure growth, warm-heartedness, and tough-mindedness
Points earn you freedom levels, like being able to do work in the library or outside rather than the studio.
Badges are how you progress to the next studio — haven’t completed “5th grade” math badge? You can’t move on to the Middle School Studio.
Peer reviews earn you a place in a tribe you are actively building every day. It’s a chance to grow, learn to give and receive feedback, and work on yourself so you become a hero who changes the world.
As said by original co-founder Laura Sandefer, “Acton measures more than any learning community on the face of the earth.”
