Mastery Grading
Mastery grading helps students grow by focusing on what they’ve actually learned—not just the points they’ve earned. Instead of averaging scores, it tracks progress toward clear, meaningful learning objectives.
Mastery Grading in Spark provides
Clarity
Students and teachers always know where learning stands with objective-based progress tracking.
Flexibility
Grade with custom scales, mark progress over time, and revisit objectives as students grow.
Support
Mastery grading encourages learning from mistakes and trying again—because progress matters.
Alignment
Every grade reflects real understanding, not just performance on one test or assignment.
About Mastery Grading
Mastery Grading in Spark
Spark’s gradebook supports both traditional grading methods—like percentages and points—and Mastery Grading, a powerful alternative that puts learning front and center.
Learn more in our Help Docs.
What Is Mastery Grading?
Mastery grading shifts the focus from earning points to demonstrating real understanding. Instead of averaging scores, teachers assess student progress toward clearly defined learning objectives. Students receive meaningful feedback on what they’ve mastered—and where they still need to grow.
How Mastery Grading Works in Spark
Spark gives teachers the tools to make mastery grading simple and effective.
- Create or upload objective sets to align your grading with specific learning goals
- Apply custom scales that reflect how well students understand the material
- Track progress over time, not just on single assignments
This approach is especially effective in personalized or multi-age classrooms, where students move at their own pace and mastery—not seat time—defines success.
Shareable Reports
Teachers can generate clear, personalized Mastery Grade Reports to share with guardians or school leaders. These reports highlight each student’s progress toward individual objectives, offering a fuller picture than a simple letter grade ever could.
Why It Matters
Mastery grading helps students build confidence and resilience. It emphasizes growth, not failure—encouraging students to keep learning, revisit concepts, and try again. It also gives teachers a more flexible, supportive, and accurate way to measure what matters most: true understanding.
