by Amy Shepherd, Elementary Instructional Coach
What is standards-based grading?
Standards-based grading is an educational system that focuses on the mastery of the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education standards. It provides clear learning goals for the students, parents, and teachers. Standards-based grading defines what proficiency looks like and provides specific feedback on how the student is progressing.
Why are we transitioning to standards-based grading?
Studies have shown that standards-based grading practices correlate to higher academic
achievement. Standardized grading is less subject to bias and more focused on mastery instead of work habits. Standards-based grading communicates clearly what standards need to be improved and which skills the child has mastered.
What will be the grading scale at the elementary school?
A student will receive a 1, 2, or 3 on a grade level standard that was determined as priority by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. If the standard does not have a number next to it, that specific standard was not taught during the trimester being reported.
1 - Beginning
Student provides little
evidence of meeting the
performance expectation or
learning objective.
Student will be provided feedback and support in order to revise work.
2 -Approaching
Student demonstrates partial
mastery of the performance
expectation or learning
objective.
Student will be provided feedback and support in order to revise work.
3 - Proficient
Student demonstrates mastery
of the performance
expectation or learning
objective.
Student is able to analyze and peer review the work of others.
How Will Grades Be Communicated?
*Grades will be shared six times a year through progress reports (midterm progress) and Infinite Campus (trimester progress).
*Data binders will be shown during Parent/Teacher Conferences. This will be a time where teachers and families will review the student's work with feedback and rubric scores. *Guardians are welcome to view their child's data binder at any time. To do so, guardians will reach out to the teacher to schedule a time to discuss their child’s progress.
*Teachers will be sending home Friday Folders weekly with comments regarding a student's academic progress, as well as any information regarding the student's behavior.
*Teachers will also communicate a child's progress through email, phone calls, and/or phone
application messages.
How has our building prepared for standards-based grading?
The transition to standards-based grading has been a two-year process for the elementary building. Over the past two years, teachers have been working closely with the Regional Professional Development Center to learn about how to implement standards-based grading and develop rubrics aligned with the priority standards determined by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.
