An Example of the CLAA's AI Assignment Grading

In the Classical Liberal Arts Academy, we assess student work by using a combination of assessment methods. Lessons include online quizzes, which test students’ knowledge of lesson content. Lessons also include written assessments, which allow students to develop and demonstrate their understanding of lesson concepts and writing skills.

All written assessments are reviewed and graded by an AI program that I developed for the CLAA, which is built right into the CLAA Study Center. I analyzed my own grading method, broke it down into ten criteria and then programed our assignment system to use my instructions and criteria to automatically review student assignments, evaluate them using my criteria, score them and provide helpful feedback.

Some may wonder whether this is effective, and our testing of the system has been successful. We occasionally receive a complaint, but when we investigate the situation, we often find that the AI grading was accurate and helpful.

I thought it would be helpful to provide an example of both an assignment and a review by our AI grader. the following assignment was taken from the CLAA’s Daily Scripture Reading course, which I completed myself after doing my daily reading. Here is my submission:

Submission

Attempt number	This is attempt 1.
Submission status	Submitted for grading
Grading status	Graded
Last modified	Thursday, 21 August 2025, 5:46 AM
Online text	1. What passage of Scripture did you read this morning? This morning, I read 2 Samuel 23-34 in the Old Testament. 2. Briefly summarize the content of the morning reading. In 2 Samuel 23-24, we read the final events in the life of King David. We read a listing of the men who served him, the great Three and the Thirty. We also read of his sin in numbering the men of Israel, the plague with which God punishes the people, and David’s sacrifice of reparation. 3. What passage of Scripture did you read at midday today? At midday, I read Proverbs 20:19-21. 4. Briefly summarize the content of the midday reading. In Proverbs 20, I read three proverbs: one of the evil of sharing secrets; one of the evil of cursing one’s parents; one of the evil of greed 5. What passage of Scripture did you read this evening? This evening, I read the Gospel of St. Mark, chapter 12. 6. Briefly summarize the content of the evening reading. In Mark 12, I read of Jesus’ parable of the Tenants, by which he prophecied of his persecution and death. I also read of the testing Jesus faced from the Sadducees, who did not believe in the Resurrection. 7. What helpful lessons can you draw from today’s readings? From today’s readings, I learned to admire King David’s human weakness and humility. He models for us a life of honesty, making mistakes, but following them with restitution. From the Proverbs, I was reminded to acknowledge God as the source of any prosperity or success in business, and to be mindful of the needs of others. In the Gospel reading, I saw in the Lord’s words a refutation of the Protestant doctrine of “Sola Scriptura”. He condemns the Sadducees for being misled, “not knowing the Scripture or the power of God”. I thought it was interesting that He mentioned two sources of divine revelation: both the Scripures and natural theology.

Feedback

The feedback that was immediately provided when I submitted my assignment can be seen below.

Grade	94.00 % (A)
Graded on	Thursday, 21 August 2025, 5:46 AM
Graded by	William Michael
Feedback comments	Subject: Daily Scripture Reading Summary 1. All assignment questions are provided and numbered: (Score: 10/10) All questions were restated and numbered correctly. 2. All questions in the assignment are answered: (Score: 9/10) All questions were answered, but question 4 could have included more detail about the proverbs mentioned. 3. Answers are written in complete sentences: (Score: 10/10) All answers are written in complete sentences. 4. Formatting is clear and consistent: (Score: 9/10) Formatting is mostly clear. 5. Words are capitalized correctly: (Score: 10/10) Capitalization is correct throughout the submission. 6. Words are spelled correctly: (Score: 10/10) All words are spelled correctly. 7. Punctuation is used correctly: (Score: 9/10) Punctuation is mostly correct, but there are minor issues, such as the lack of a period at the end of question 4. 8. Evidence is provided to support assignment answers: (Score: 8/10) Answers provide good summaries, but question 7 could benefit from more specific examples or references to the readings. 9. Nothing false or unreasonable is written in the assignment: (Score: 10/10) All statements are reasonable and accurate. 10. Answers are clear and easy to understand: (Score: 9/10) Answers are generally clear, but some sentences could be more concise for better clarity.

It can be seen that my work was given a passing score of 94%, but despite its quality, corrections were suggested, helping me to improve my writing and become aware of bad habits I may need to give attention to. Each criterion is listed, with a score and feedback.

You can compare the work I submitted and the feedback I received that it is accurate and helpful.

It is important to note that this review, grading and feedback is provided instantly whenever a student submits an assignment. This is a great benefit for students.

I receive notifications every time a student submits and assignment, and another when the review is completed. I check in on assignments and grading throughout the day and almost always find that grading is going well. My wife is both working with students and our own children throughout the day and assures me that grading has been consistent and helpful.

This technology is developing, and our use of it is right on the cutting edge in education. I will continue to collect feedback and make notes for improvements. Each summer, I will update the grading instructions and try to produce improved results. The initial results, however, have been far better than I expected.

God bless your studies,
Mr. William C. Michael, O.P.
Headmaster
Classical Liberal Arts Academy