This second edition of the alternative grading classic revisits specs grading with a robust body of research, exemplars, and strategies to elevate the quality of student work, increase engagement and buy-in, and reduce faculty stress.

Nilson and Packowski present the unique characteristics of the specs grading schema, all of which simplify faculty decision making, reduce antagonism between the evaluator and the evaluated, and increase student receptivity to meaningful feedback, thus facilitating a mutually beneficial, rigorous learning process. Used consistently over time, specs grading can restore credibility to grades by demonstrating and making transparent to all stakeholders the learning outcomes that students achieve.

Featuring five new chapters stemming from firsthand accounts of dozens of instructors actively using specs grading, this book lays out the surprisingly simple transition process, positioning specs grading as the most viable and easy-to-use system available to faculty.