Philosophy of Standards-Based Grading
Although perfection is impossible in grading, our goal in Standards-Based Grading is to have grades that are fair and less subject to bias, more accurate, specific so that both teachers and students can describe what it means to be proficient, and timely, providing effective feedback so that students can improve their performance.
Rationale Statement
The City of St. Charles School District uses a standards-based grading and reporting system. Standards-based grading measures student learning of the standards which are aligned with district curriculum, and state academic standards, The grades are based on the ability of a student to apply content knowledge and skills in and/or across content areas based on well-defined course objectives.
SBG Timeline:
2010-11: Implementation at the Elementary and Intermediate Schools (K-5)
2011-12: Implementation at the Intermediate School (6th grade)
2012-13: Implementation at the Middle School (7-8).
2013-14 through 2015-16: Implementation at the High Schools (9-12).
2016-17: Implementation of the Hybrid SBG Model at Middle and High Schools (7-12).
Standards-Based Grading: What is NOT...
A one-time test
An interim test (Benchmark, Quarterly, Midterm, Final, etc.)
Unknown expectations
Factoring extra credit, attendance, bonus points
Standards-Based Grading, (K-12): What it is...
Indicates what students know and are able to do
Measures a student’s progress towards proficiency
Indicates if a student has reached mastery
Teachers give a variety of assignments and assessments
Is authentic to the learning experiences of students, based on complex tasks, not rote memory
Involves a demonstration of proficiency, not a guess on a multiple-choice test
Standards-Based Grading, Elementary/Intermediate Model (Grades K-6):
All assessments are linked to learning standards
Uses a 1, 1+, 2, 2+, 3, 4 grading system
Grades are based upon most current mastery of the learning standards. Grades are not averaged.
Standards-Based Grading, Secondary Hybrid Model (Grades 7-12):
All assessments are linked to learning standards
Uses A, B, C, D, F grading scale
Re-takes are allowed in certain situations and replace the previous grade
Scores are averaged based on the type of assignment (homework, classwork, quizzes, tests)