Grades are a reality in most school systems. While InnerOrbit is designed to support NGSS proficiency by providing 3-dimensional data to inform instructional next steps, we also know that teachers often need to turn assessment data into meaningful grades.
This article shares real strategies from educators using InnerOrbit data to inform grading—without compromising the value of 3D science learning.
What This Help Article Covers:
⚖️ Key Considerations When Using InnerOrbit for Grades
InnerOrbit assessment scores are highly dependent on assessment design. A quiz composed mostly of 1D (one-dimensional) questions will typically yield higher average scores than an assessment that emphasizes rigorous 2D or 3D questions.
But remember—lower scores don’t always mean lower learning. In fact, assessments rich in 2D and 3D questions often provide deeper insight into student progress toward sensemaking and proficiency on 3D standards.
📖 Want to explore more about question rigor? See: Which Questions Should I Select for My Assessment?
🎯 Strategy 1: Curve Scores
Why Use This:
To account for assessment difficulty and normalize grading without changing the assessment content.
How to Curve:
Find the class average score in your Assignment Report.
Decide your target average (e.g., 70%).
Subtract the actual average from the target average.
Add that value to each student’s score.
Example:
If the class average is 48%, and your desired average is 70%:
70% - 48% = 22% (curve)
Add 22% to all student scores
📥 Pro Tip: Click "Download CSV" in your Assignment Report to quickly export student scores and apply your curve in a spreadsheet.
📊 Strategy 2: Use 1D/2D/3D Performance for Standards-Based Grading (SBG)
Why Use This:
To assign a more meaningful grade based on students' ability to think and perform like scientists across NGSS dimensions.
How to Use 1D/2D/3D for SBG:
Open the Assignment Report.
Use the Answers by Question Matrix to analyze performance.
Hover over each question to view its NGSS dimension tags (1D, 2D, 3D).
Assign SBG levels based on the types of questions a student answered correctly.
Sample SBG Rubric:
Question Types Answered Correctly | Possible SBG Level |
Only 1D questions | Beginning |
1D + some 2D | Approaching |
1D + 2D + 3D | Meeting or Exceeding |
⚠️ Important Note:
It may not be necessary for students to get all questions correct to obtain a “meeting” score on an SBG scale!
📥 Pro Tip: Click "Download Answers Report" to export student responses and make SBG analysis easier in a spreadsheet.
🧮 Strategy 3: Use Raw Scores
Why Use This:
To quickly assign a grade that reflects overall student performance—while keeping things simple and compatible with your school’s existing grading system.
How to Use Raw Scores:
Open your Assignment Report or Gradebook.
Use the percentage score as the grade.
Adjust your cut scores to match the rigor of the assessment and your grading expectations.
📌 Important Considerations Before Using Raw Scores:
How far along are students on their NGSS 3D learning journey?
Have you modeled sensemaking with novel phenomena?
Are you gradually removing scaffolds to increase student independence?
💡 Pro Tip: Start with mostly 1D questions, include a few 2D, and one 3D. Adjust the question mix and grading scale over time as students gain confidence with rigor.
Sample Cut Score Ranges (Adjust Based on Context):
Assessment Type | Example Cut Scores | |
1D (Prior Knowledge + Core Content) | 90, 80, 70, 60 | |
1D + 2D + 3D | Varies – depends on question balance | |
2D + 3D |
📖 Need a refresher on adjusting cut scores? Read: How to Adjust Cut Scores
📥 Pro Tip: To transfer scores to your school gradebook:
Download the Gradebook CSV
Switch to “%” view
Uncheck assessments you don’t want included
Copy student scores into your school gradebook
🎟️ Strategy 4: Assign Alternate Grades (Participation or Extra Credit)
Why Use This:
To recognize effort, engagement, or exposure to challenging content—especially when you’re using assessments for practice, review, or exploration.
How to:
Award Full Credit for Completion: Use for do-nows, exit tickets, or informal practice sessions.
Offer Extra Credit: Add a few InnerOrbit questions to an assessment or project to boost rigor and reward deeper thinking.
Example:
Use the completion bar or click “Show Not Taken” in your Assignment Report to track who submitted. Award participation points or extra credit based on completion.
Need more help?
For additional assistance, click on "Send us a message" in the site chat or email us support@innerorbit.com.