We are experiencing a new generation of learners, and with that comes the skills to be forgiving, adaptable, and flexible in our traditional practices.
Specification grading is an alternative assessment approach where students earn grades by completing assignments that meet specific, clearly defined standards rather than accumulating points. Here is why this is resonating with our current students today!
Core Idea:
In specification grading, you define what “satisfactory” work looks like for each assignment through detailed specifications. Students either meet these specs (and get full credit) or don’t (and can usually revise). There’s no partial credit or point deductions so work is evaluated as pass/fail against the criteria.
Students typically advance through course levels (like earning a B vs. an A) by completing bundles of assignments at satisfactory levels, often with some choice in which assignments to complete.
Why:
Modern college students often struggle with anxiety around grades and perfectionism. Specs grading reduces this by making expectations transparent and removing the mystery of “how many points will I lose for this?” Students know exactly what’s expected.
The revision opportunity is huge. Today’s students are comfortable with iterative processes (think software updates, social media drafts) but traditional grading often penalizes first attempts. Specs grading aligns with how they already think about improvement.
It also gives students more autonomy. They can often choose which assignments to complete or decide whether to aim for a B or push for an A, which appeals to students juggling jobs, mental health, and other responsibilities.
Finally, it emphasizes mastery over performance. Instead of racing to finish assignments for maximum points, students focus on actually meeting standards—which better prepares them for professional work where “good enough to meet specs” is often what matters.
Want to read more?
Here is an article describing the implementation efforts of specs grading in the STEM field.
Author: Amanda K. Miller