Holistic grading, in standards-based education, is an approach to scoring essays using a simple grading structure that bases a grade on a paper's overall quality. This type of grading, which is also described as nonreductionist grading, contrasts with analytic grading, which takes more factors into account when assigning a grade. Holistic grading can also be used to assess classroom-based work. Rather than counting errors, a paper is judged holistically and often compared to an anchor paper to evaluate if it meets a writing standard. Model While analytic grading involves criterion-by-criterion judgments, holistic grading appraises student works as integrated entities. In holistic grading, the learner's performance is approached as one and cannot be reduced or divided into several component performances. Here, teachers are required to consider specific aspects of the student's answer as well as the quality of the whole. Holistic grading operates by distinguishing satisfactory performance from one that is simply adequate or outstanding. Projects using holistic grading Many institutions use holistic grading when evaluating student writing as part of a graduation requirement. Some examples include: The National Certificate of Educational Achievement is the New Zealand graduation certificate, which bases its score on holistic grading. In the United States, the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) uses holistic grading. References School terminology Standards-based education Standardized tests Student assessment and evaluation Civil rights of students