Standards-Based Learning
The Ottumwa Community School district believes that grades should communicate what students know and can do. To ensure that we commit to providing all students and families with fair, accurate, specific, and timely information regarding student progress toward established standards, we will also offer feedback on the next steps and areas for growth.
Standards-based grading will be stair-stepped up in the Ottumwa Community School District:
In the 2024-25 school year, grades K-6 will use standards-based grading
In 2025-26, 7th grade will be standards-based
In 2026-27 8th and 9th grade will be standards-based
In 2027-28, 10th-12th grade will be standards-based
The why
In public schools, standards-based grading (SBG) focuses on measuring students' proficiency in meeting specific learning goals rather than accumulating points for completed tasks. This approach provides a clearer picture of what students know and can do.
Key Benefits of Standards-Based Grading:
Equity and Transparency: SBG aims to eliminate biases and subjectivity from grades by focusing solely on students' mastery of the material rather than factors like participation and homework completion. This makes grades more equitable and transparent for students, teachers, and families.
Improved Student Achievement: SBG helps improve student achievement across all content areas by emphasizing the mastery of defined learning targets. It encourages students to focus on learning and understanding the material rather than merely earning grades.
Feedback and Growth: SBG provides detailed feedback on students' strengths and areas for improvement, allowing for targeted interventions and support. This approach often includes opportunities for students to retake assessments and demonstrate improved understanding.
Addressing Inequities: Research indicates that SBG can address inequities that arise from traditional grading practices, which often factor in subjective elements like behavior and effort. By focusing on actual learning, SBG promotes fairness and accuracy in grading.
Grading Practices K-6 will include
A consistent 4-point grading scale will be used.
Academic achievement is reported separately from behavior and on the essential standards determined by the grade level and content area.
Scores are based on evidence where growth on a standard over time is considered.
Students will have multiple and varied opportunities to show they have met the grade-level standards.
What are Scales?
The scales illustrate the skills and knowledge students must demonstrate to master a grade-level standard. The image on the right depicts the template used across the district. Level 3 of each scale represents the criteria students must meet to master the standard. Scales can be found in the content pages for each area in the other pages of this website.
Letter Sent to Families in Fall of 2024
Dear Families,
I hope this letter finds you well. As we embark on a new school year, I wanted to take a moment to explain an important tool we will be using in our classrooms: the proficiency scale.
A proficiency scale is a valuable framework that helps us assess and communicate your child's progress in various academic skills and concepts. It provides a clear and detailed picture of where your child stands in relation to specific learning goals. Here’s how it works:
1. Clear Learning Targets: Each proficiency scale is based on clearly defined learning targets or standards that outline what students should know and be able to do by the end of a certain period or grade level.
2. Levels of Proficiency: The scale typically consists of several levels that describe different degrees of proficiency. These levels may vary slightly depending on the subject and grade level, but generally include:
- Level 1: Limited understanding or ability in the skill or concept.
- Level 2: Some understanding or ability, but with room for improvement.
- Level 3: Solid understanding or ability, meeting expectations.
- Level 4: Deep understanding or ability, exceeding expectations.
3. Assessment and Feedback: Throughout the year, your child will receive assessments aligned with these proficiency levels. Teachers use various methods to evaluate student progress, such as tests, projects, classwork, and observations. Feedback based on the proficiency scale helps students understand their strengths and areas needing improvement.
4. Goal Setting and Growth: The proficiency scale not only measures current proficiency but also encourages goal setting and growth. Students are encouraged to strive for higher levels of proficiency as they progress through their learning journey.
5. Communication: As your child’s educators, we are committed to keeping you informed about their progress. Reports using the proficiency scale will be shared with you regularly, detailing how well your child is mastering key skills and where additional support or enrichment may be needed.
By using the proficiency scale, we aim to provide a more accurate and transparent assessment of your child’s academic growth. It allows us to celebrate achievements and work together to address any challenges your child may face.
If you have any questions about the proficiency scale or would like more information about how it will be implemented in our classrooms, please do not hesitate to reach out. Your partnership in your child’s education is invaluable, and we look forward to a successful year ahead.
Using Standards Based Learning for College and Career Readiness
FAQ About College Admissions and Standards-Based Learning and Grading
How do colleges feel about standards based learning and grading?
Colleges want grade point averages to be an accurate reflection of student learning and understanding. Grades should correlate to a student’s performance on high stakes assessments, such as Iowa Assessments or ACT.
Is there a problem transferring standards based transcripts to college for acceptance?
No, students will still receive grades and a grade point average.
How does standards based learning help students be prepared for college?
Identifying one's strengths and weaknesses as a learner, being self-motivated to meet course objectives, developing strong study habits, and mastering course standards are all aspects of this system that will help students in college.
How does this practice prepare students for the 'real world'?
It's only sensible to expect different things of students during the learning process than we expect of them when it's time to demonstrate final proficiency. Applying expectations for a high level of competency to students who are in the process of coming to know content is counterproductive, even harmful.
Those who claim to be preparing students for the working world by disallowing all redos forgets that adult professionals actually flourish through multiple opportunities to demonstrate understanding. Surgeons practice on cadavers before doing surgeries on live patients. Architects redesign building plans until they meet all the specifications listed or industry standards. Pilots rehearse landings and take-offs hundreds of times in simulators and in solo flights before flying with real passengers. Lawyers practice debate and analysis of arguments before litigating real cases. Teachers become much more competent and effective by teaching the same content multiple times, reflecting on what worked and what didn't work each time. Students benefit from being given multiple situations in which they can show their learning of learning goals and targets, over time.
LSAT. MCAT. Praxis. SAT. Bar exam. CPA exam. Driver's licensure. Pilot's licensure. Auto mechanic certification exam. Every one of these assessments reflects the adult-level, working-world responsibilities our students will one day face. Many of them are high stakes: People's lives depend on these tests' validity as accurate measures of individual competence. People can reassess over and over for full credit. It is 'real world' to encourage students to actively engage in learning in many ways, over time.