Standards-Based Grading
Proficiency-based grading assesses students based on what they really know, is directly linked to state and national standards and:
The manner in which educators assess student learning is changing. The 100-point scale which has been used for more than 100 years is no longer a sufficient method for accurately reporting student learning. New understandings about student learning and assessment have emerged based on decades of research. Among these new understandings are the beliefs that:
Used by permission from Suzanne West, Sherwood School District
- Supports current research regarding student learning.
- Allows for individual rates of learning but supports all students to achieve proficiency.
- Requires a minimum grasp of concepts which encourages a more balanced and complete knowledge of the content.
- Allows students to choose a desired grade and continually work toward it throughout the trimester.
- Gives detailed information regarding areas students need to improve.
- Provides immediate and specific feedback to the teacher and student about what the student knows and does not know.
- Allows for focused and reflective learning.
The manner in which educators assess student learning is changing. The 100-point scale which has been used for more than 100 years is no longer a sufficient method for accurately reporting student learning. New understandings about student learning and assessment have emerged based on decades of research. Among these new understandings are the beliefs that:
- What students think about and do with assessment results is just as important as what adults think about and do with them (Stiggins).
- Educators must assess accurately, and use results effectively, to make sure students react productively to assessment results (Stiggins).
- Educators should report behavioral aspects separately from learning progress (Guskey).
- Grades have some value as rewards, but no value as punishments (Guskey).
- Grading requires thoughtful and informed professional judgement (Guskey).
- The 100-point scale is an unreliable measure of student learning (Marzano).
Used by permission from Suzanne West, Sherwood School District
What is Standards-Based-Grading?
Skills are broken up into two parts: those that are essential to the course and required for credit and those that are supportive of the curriculum. Proficiency-based grading is a process of evaluating a student's proficiency in essential and supportive skills and concepts.
How Will Proficiency Be Measured?
Grading:
Students will need to demonstrate understanding in essential mathematical concepts in order to pass the course. The concepts have been broken up into Essential Learning and Supporting Skills. The essential skills are the key ideas. Students will be given at least three opportunities to demonstrate proficiency: quiz, chapter assessment, and final exam. Test corrections can be made only if 1) the homework for that skill has been completed and 2) a re-qualification assignment has been completed and is at least 80% correct.
Grade Weights (Algebra 1 Only)
Assessments 90% Practice 10%
Students will need to demonstrate understanding in essential mathematical concepts in order to pass the course. The concepts have been broken up into Essential Learning and Supporting Skills. The essential skills are the key ideas. Students will be given at least three opportunities to demonstrate proficiency: quiz, chapter assessment, and final exam. Test corrections can be made only if 1) the homework for that skill has been completed and 2) a re-qualification assignment has been completed and is at least 80% correct.
Grade Weights (Algebra 1 Only)
Assessments 90% Practice 10%