Standards Based Grading

Standards-Based practices have long been a part of our students’ learning and our teaching practices. We also use Standards-Based Reporting to clearly communicate the growth our students are making throughout the school year.

Standards-based refers to an approach to teaching, evaluating, grading, and communicating student progress. The Standards are expectations set by the State of Illinois.

In this approach:

Students show their understanding, knowledge, and skills identified by the standards.
The student’s progress is communicated to students and parents by identifying the student's progress on an identified standard.

This type of progress report replaces a letter grade on the report card. The Standards-Based report card will show a student's progress toward the specific grade-level standards.

Benefits of Standards Based Grading:

For Students

Learning targets are clearly defined and aligned with state standards.
Students are offered multiple opportunities and ways through which to demonstrate proficiency.
Students aren’t penalized for not understanding a skill at the beginning of instruction.
Students monitor their own progress toward the achievement of specific targets.
Specific feedback on progress helps build self-esteem, pride, and motivation for students.
Helps promote a culture of learning vs. earning, risk taking, and learning from mistakes.

For Parents

Report cards are clear and have more meaning.
More accurate representation of students learning and mastery of their learning.
Parents are aware of exactly what their child knows, and is able to do, and the next steps for progress.
Parents know in what areas their child needs more support.
Parents are empowered to increase their child’s confidence and help their student set goals.

For Teachers

Teachers know exactly where students stand in their progress towards learning targets and what support needs to be provided.
Aligned expectations and standards across grade levels in every subject.
Assessment results show teachers when students need extra help and when they need more challenging work.
Teachers are encouraged to find new ways to assess student learning. It’s not a one size fits all approach.

Additional Resources

Seven Reasons for Standards Based Grading

Assessment for Learning (Video)

A Case for Standards Based Grading and Reporting

Rethinking Grading

Parent FAQ

Grading Scale Information

Parent Night Presentation Video & Survey

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