How does grading improvement specifically vary from conventional grading?

Grading improvement focuses on the process of learning and recognizes the growth and development a student experiences over time, rather than solely evaluating them on their final results or achievements. This approach emphasizes the progress students make from their starting point to where they end up, valuing the learning journey itself.

By taking into account how much a student has improved, educators can provide a more comprehensive view of their abilities and potential. This method supports the idea that education is not just about meeting a set standard but also about fostering continuous learning and acknowledging individual growth.

In contrast, the other options do not align with the principles of grading improvement. Subjective assessment criteria, while potentially useful, do not inherently mean that the grading system is focusing on improvement. Strictly basing grading on attendance does not reflect a student's academic learning or progression. Lastly, ignoring a student's initial knowledge base would mean failing to recognize the individual context in which learning occurs, which contradicts the essence of assessing improvement.