An Introduction to
Standards-Based Grading
What system is best for kids?
Understandably, in any grading or reporting system there are inherent strengths and weaknesses. The reason I favor the standards-based system is that I think it is best for students.
It focuses on telling students what they have accomplished and how they can improve next time, as well as accurately and fairly recording their progess.
It focuses on telling students what they have accomplished and how they can improve next time, as well as accurately and fairly recording their progess.
What will stay the same regardless of the grading system we use?
- Expectations of students.
- Classroom activities and assignments.
- Most of what you think of when you think of "school".
What would change if we used the standards-based system?
- Feedback is in the form of words instead of numbers and letters.
- Grades reflect where the student is at a the end of the term, as opposed to averaging the end with the beginning.
A crash course in standards-based reporting
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What's wrong with the way I've always been graded?
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How can I know what the expectations are?
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Isn't it unfair to expect me to demonstrate an "A+" if it isn't even taught in class?
Yes. Your teacher should only expect you to demonstrate what you have had a chance to learn in class. You are not expected to demonstrate an A+. By definition, an A+ is above and beyond what was taught in class.
If you earn all A's then you have met expectations and done everything I've asked of you.
Earning A+'s is like having earned straight A's in the old system, plus going home and conducting science experiments on your own just because you want to learn. Of course in the traditional system, that extra learning wouldn't be recognized.
If you earn all A's then you have met expectations and done everything I've asked of you.
Earning A+'s is like having earned straight A's in the old system, plus going home and conducting science experiments on your own just because you want to learn. Of course in the traditional system, that extra learning wouldn't be recognized.