What is Standards Based Grading (SBG)?
SBG is a system of instruction, assessment, grading, and reporting based on student demonstration of mastery levels (Excelling Beyond the Standard, Meeting the Standard, Progressing Toward the Standard, Needs Improvement) for each of the grade-appropriate standards. Although grading is in the name, it should be a mindset and a way of teaching - a "Standards Based Classroom" is the goal.
Some of the Most Important Advantages
Students can always improve
Beginning grades don’t follow and weigh them down
Attitudes and motivation are stronger with less giving up
Everyone involved has a better understanding of specific standards and which ones require more attention
There are no overall subject grades. Every child has strengths and they are clear in this grading system. Traditionally, a weakness in comprehension for example, could weigh the entire ELA grade down, downplaying the strengths in phonics