The Grading Studio

KU faculty are invited to apply for CTE's Spring 2026 Grading Studio, a year-long collaborative opportunity designed to support the development and implementation of evolving grading strategies. These approaches—including specifications grading, ungrading, competency-based assessment, and mastery-based grading—emphasize learning, growth, and meaningful feedback over traditional point accumulation, moving us to a new norm in assessment practices.

What is The Grading Studio?

The Grading Studio brings together small groups of faculty (in most cases, triads that include one experienced mentor and two mentees new to alternative grading) to explore, develop, and implement growth-oriented grading methods. Through structured meetings from Spring 2026 through AY 2026-2027, participants develop practical assessment strategies and contribute to KU's  grading resources. Each participant receives a $500 stipend. CTE has funding for at least 6 triads.

Participant Roles

Mentees should have minimal or no experience with alternative grading and strong interest in developing these methods for a course they'll teach in AY 2026-2027. Responsibilities: Develop and implement alternative grading strategy; contribute materials and reflections to CTE web resources.

Mentors should have at least one year of experience using alternative grading and enjoy working with colleagues. Responsibilities: Organize and lead triad meetings; share strategies and examples; provide ongoing support; and attend periodic check-in/coordination meetings with program leadership

Program Timeline

  • Spring 2026: Mentor-program coordinator meeting; four mentor-mentee meetings to explore alternative grading approaches, review examples, and begin adapting assignments.

  • Spring/Summer 2026: Mentor-program coordinator meeting; implementation support session to set up trackers, rubrics, and tools (2-3 hours) with mentees

  • August 2026: Pre-semester meeting for final adjustments

  • AY 2026-2027: Mentor-program coordinator meeting; four mentor-mentee check-in meetings at weeks 2, 5, 10, and 16 to support implementation

  • Spring 2027: Mentees submit web contributions and optional video interviews

Participants may also wish to join the Alternative Grading Working Group, which meets monthly, for opportunities for conversation about these methods with a broader community.

How will you benefit?

Participants will:

  • Join a supportive community of colleagues committed to improving teaching and learning

  • Develop practical, implementable assessment tools tailored to your course

  • Receive ongoing mentorship and support throughout development and implementation

  • Contribute to campus-wide teaching innovation

  • Receive a $500 stipend or professional fund

How to Apply

Submit a brief proposal (1-2 pages) including:

Mentees: Course to modify (number, title, enrollment); current grading approach and interest in alternatives; goals for alternative grading; triad preferences (individuals, class size, academic area, etc.; optional).

Mentors: Experience with alternative grading; interest in mentoring; what you can offer mentees; triad preferences (optional).

Participants will be notified by early January 2026. Questions? Contact Drew Vartia.

Apply by Dec. 10