Standards-Based Grading (SBG)
Standards-Based Grading (SBG) is an intentional way for teachers to track their students' progress and achievements while focusing on helping students learn and reach their highest potential. It is based on students showing mastery or understanding of various learning targets and skills. SBG views student progress based on proficiency levels for identified standards rather than relying on a holistic representation as the sole measure of achievement.
Implementation:
All K-2 classroom teachers will utilize Standards-Based Grading for all content areas.
Progress reports and report cards will reflect Standards-Based Grading, including final marks: M (Mastery), P (Progressing), LP (Limited Progress), or WA (Work Absent).
Teachers’ electronic gradebooks should reflect Standards-Based Grading, including data points/marks: M, P, LP, or WA.
Student learning and work products are assessed against specific criteria, and marks are provided to capture the student’s progress towards the standard: M, P, LP, or WA.
Definitions:
Marks: The codes (M, P, LP, WA) used to describe the product/work samples recorded in the grade book (data point).
Final Marks: A compilation of all marks entered into the gradebook for a standard, appearing on the report card or progress reports (M, P, LP, and WA). These are sometimes referred to as proficiency scores.
Standards and Reporting:
Standards to be assessed each quarter have been identified and shared through a Google document with all K-2 teachers.
Blank Standards: Standards without any marks in the gradebook will appear blank on the progress report and report card.
Required Standards: Standards that must be reflected on the progress reports have been identified (marked in orange in the Google folder) and must have at least one mark in the gradebook to be displayed.
Reading and Math Standards:
Focus Standards (FS): Essential for students’ success in the current grade level and important for preparedness for the next grade level.
Supporting Standards (SS): Follow or support another more primary or focus standard.
Focus Standards: Should have a minimum of three marks recorded in the gradebook.
Supporting Standards: Should have a minimum of one mark recorded in the gradebook.
Additional Content Areas:
Spelling, Writing, Science, and Social Studies: Should have a minimum of three marks recorded.
Comments:
Use of Comments: To describe learning behaviors that may be hindering student progress, note modified assignments and/or below-grade-level materials, or note significant improvement or regression.
Report Card Comments: Only Level 4 comments appear on the report card (however, any comment in the gradebook will appear in the parent portal).
Gradebook and Assessment:
Final Marks Calculation: The gradebook will take the three most recent marks to yield a final mark for each standard.
End-of-Year Expectations: Marks are reported in relation to how a student is doing concerning what is expected at the end of the year.
Homework: Should not be graded or included in determining marks.
Assessment Entry: Should be entered no later than one week after the administered or due date. Marks need to reflect weekly learning.
Consistency: Marks need to show consistency within the grade level; weekly PLC conversations should include which standards to collect data for marks. Grade levels need to determine and define the criteria for each mark for assignments.
Monitoring and Review:
Coaches and Administrators: Should monitor SBG in their schools by periodically reviewing gradebooks (ensuring teachers enter the required number of marks and follow the intent of SBG), comparing progress reports and report cards for consistency across the grade level, and meeting with PLCs to discuss criteria for grading and marks.