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How multiple grades report cards prepare students for the modern workplace

In the Bethlehem Area School District (BASD) in Pennsylvania, we鈥檝e reimagined how we assess and grade our middle and high school students. Most notably, we鈥檝e introduced a multiple grades report card, designed to make grading fairer, more transparent, and more reflective of the skills students need for future success

At the same time, a major shift is reshaping education and the workforce鈥攁rtificial intelligence (AI) is transforming how we work and learn. As AI automates more tasks, the question becomes: Are we preparing students for the future they鈥檒l actually encounter?

The answer lies not just in academic achievement, but in cultivating the uniquely human skills that will remain essential in an AI-driven world.

A Multiple Grades Approach

The core idea behind our grading initiative is simple: grades should reflect what students know and can do. Separating cognitive (academic) and non-cognitive (behavioral) factors, we provide a clearer picture of student progress while reducing implicit bias that can occur when behavioral factors are incorporated into a single academic grade.

In the BASD, we鈥檝e addressed this by including separate grades for Engagement and Responsibility alongside traditional academic grades.

Each category is scored separately on a rubric scale from 1 to 3:

• Engagement: Assesses on-task behaviors and collaboration.
• Responsibility: Assesses class preparation, work completion, and respectful interactions.

By implementing a multiple grades report card, we can ensure that both academic performance and essential soft skills are recognized, helping students build a foundation for long-term success.

Why This Matters in an AI-Driven World

As we revised our grading system, we鈥檝e come to learn that non-cognitive (behavioral) skills are more important than ever. AI is rapidly taking over many knowledge-based tasks, but it cannot replace human qualities like social intelligence, teamwork, responsibility, leadership, and empathy.

Employers across industries consistently cite soft skills鈥攏ot just technical expertise鈥攁s the most in-demand attributes in the modern workforce.

As AI continues to reshape work, the ability to engage effectively with others and take responsibility will become even more critical.

Engagement: A Future-Proof Skill

The Engagement category in our report card evaluates active participation, collaboration, focus, and appropriate social interactions.

These are the very skills that will set future employees apart in an AI-driven economy.

In a world where AI handles routine tasks, workers will need to communicate effectively, collaborate in diverse teams, and demonstrate emotional intelligence. Whether students enter manufacturing, healthcare, or business, engagement skills will be essential for success.

Responsibility: The Foundation of Ethical AI Use

搁别蝉辫辞苍蝉颈产颈濒颈迟测鈥攅苍肠辞尘辫补蝉蝉颈苍驳 class preparation, work completion, and respectful interactions, reflects essential workplace attributes such as timeliness, organization, motivation, and accountability.

As AI tools become integrated into nearly every industry, employees will need to exercise self-regulation and ethical responsibility. Whether making data-driven decisions or ensuring AI systems are used fairly, future professionals must balance technological capabilities with human judgment.

Teaching responsibility now helps students develop the habits that will serve them well in the future workforce and society.

Takeaways for District Leaders

Our experience with a multiple grades report card has reinforced key leadership takeaways:

 Leadership Matters: District leaders must advocate for grading reform and highlight evolving employability skills. In BASD, we partnered with universities, economic development groups, and industry experts to align education with workforce needs, ensuring broad support for our new report card model.

 Engage Stakeholders: Teachers, families, school boards, and community members played a crucial role in shaping our new grading system. Their feedback fostered shared ownership of the changes and increased buy-in across the district.

 Recognize the Value of Soft Skills: While traditional academics remain vital, non-cognitive or soft skills are equally essential. AI is reshaping knowledge work, making interpersonal and leadership abilities more valuable than ever.

 Multiple Grades Report Cards Work: Comparing our pilot year data to the previous year鈥檚 traditional report card outcomes, we found that achievement remained stable. However, we improved the communicative value of report cards, leading to deeper conversations about both academic and personal growth.

Preparing Students for an AI-Augmented Future

Some fear AI will replace human workers, but experts predict that AI will instead augment uniquely human capabilities. By assessing and reporting on non-cognitive skills, we鈥檙e not just improving our grading system鈥攚e鈥檙e equipping students with the essential skills they鈥檒l need to thrive in an evolving workforce.

Multiple grades report cards provide a valuable framework for both schools and employers alike. By focusing on engagement, responsibility, and other essential soft skills, we ensure that our students are not just prepared academically, but also equipped to lead, collaborate, and innovate in the age of AI.