Episode
159 - The Birth of Specs Grading: A Conversation with Linda Nilson
- Podcast
- The Grading Podcast
- Published
- Jul 28, 2026
- Duration seconds
- 3319
- Processing state
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Summary
Few people have had a greater influence on the alternative grading movement than Linda Nilson. In this episode, Sharona and Boz welcome the author of Specifications Grading and Specifications Grading 2.0 to reflect on the origins of one of the most widely adopted approaches to grading reform. Linda shares the experiences that led her to question traditional points-based grading, the ideas she combined to create specifications grading, and how an approach that began as a response to her own frustrations grew into an international movement embraced across disciplines. The conversation explores the philosophy behind specifications grading, the challenges of introducing a radically different grading system, and Linda's hopes for the future of grading reform as educators continue to rethink assessment in an era of rapid educational change. Links Please note - any books linked here are likely Amazon Associates links. Clicking on them and purchasing through them helps support the show. Thanks for your support! Specifications Grading 2.0 , by Linda Nilson and Joe Packowski Resources The Center for Grading Reform - seeking to advance education in the United States by supporting effective grading reform at all levels through conferences, educational workshops, professional development, research and scholarship, influencing public policy, and community building. The Grading Conference - an annual, online conference exploring Alternative Grading in Higher Education & K-12. Some great resources to educate yourself about Alternative Grading: The Grading for Growth Blog The Grading Conference The Intentional Academia Blog Recommended Books on Alternative Grading: Grading for Growth , by Robert Talbert and David Clark Specifications Grading , by Linda Nilsen Undoing the Grade , by…