Standards Based Grading

Standards-based grading is the practice of providing accurate feedback to students and their families relative to the student’s progress towards meeting year-end grade-level standards. Standards-based grading focuses on mastering content “standards” determined by the state of Massachusetts instead of accumulating points. Standards-based grading informs instruction and requires cyclical teaching and differentiation. This practice encourages student reflection and responsibility for learning.

Meeting - Your child is able to independently and consistently demonstrate an understanding of the standard. Your child is able to apply and transfer their knowledge to novel problems and situations as evidence of learning. Formal and informal assessments show consistent understanding and application of concepts.

Progressing - Your child requires prompting and guidance to meet the end of the year expectations. Your child demonstrates an understanding of the key components and skills required of the standards, but continues to rely on cues from the teacher. Formal and informal assessments show inconsistent understanding and application of concepts. Your child may require re-teaching and re-assessing to meet the end of year expectation.

Emerging - Your child requires frequent teacher support to access or demonstrate any understanding of the end of year standard. Your child is beginning to learn the key components and skills required of the standard. Formal and informal assessments show limited understanding and application of concepts. Your child requires re-teaching, re-assessing, and/or alternative assessments to demonstrate progress in this standard.