Beyond the Average: Why Teacher Judgment Matters in Assessment

Grades are often treated as precise measures of learning, but numbers alone rarely tell the whole story. In this interactive session, participants will work through math-focused grading scenarios that expose the limits of calculation and the need for professional judgment. Together, we’ll explore how fairness, assessment purpose, and integrity intersect when determining final grades. The session will balance reflection with practical application: teachers will analyze examples, wrestle with common dilemmas, and consider guiding questions they can take back to their own classrooms. Participants will leave with strategies to approach difficult grading decisions with greater clarity and confidence, while keeping both student learning and fairness at the center.