Standards-based grading is about assessing students on what they can do with what they learn and how they can apply their French to real-life situations. Traditional grading models rely on students to fill in blanks, match terms, and provide some short-answer responses. The traditional model also grades on compliance, such as whether or not students are participating and doing their homework. Standards-based grading relies on what the student can do with the language, not the practice of how they got there. It is up to the students to do the “compliance” activities in order to promote their achievement. By using the three modes of communication, standards-based grading enables students to see their strengths and identifies areas in need of improvement.