Philosophy and Policy for Standards-Based Grading

Philosophy:

Wayland Middle School math teachers believe that all students can demonstrate proficiency in all grade level math skills.

Standards-Based Grading (SBG) & Reporting:

Standards-Based Grading provides an opportunity for more timely and descriptive feedback. This allows students and families to better recognize strengths and weaknesses, by specifically reporting on each individual standard. SBG helps students to have a more focused approach when targeting areas needing support.

Standards-Based Grading Scale

4 - Student work exceeds the standard /skill

  • represents mastery of the skill or concept by application in highly challenging, novel situations, and the ability to explain it to others

3 - Student work meets the standard/skill

  • represents proficiency of the skill as presented in class.

  • a P indicates proficiency of the skill but errors in computation or precision

2 - Student work approaches the standard/skill

  • represents the need for additional practice and possible reteaching

1 - Student work demonstrates the need for more time and support to develop the standard/skill

  • reteaching is mandatory

Student Empowerment Through Standards-Based Grading:

Students have control over their learning. They have the power to learn at high levels, pushing themselves to show proficiency with each standard. Some students demonstrate proficiency quickly (Modes* of 3 and/or 4), while others need more time. Students will usually have at least three in-class opportunities to show they can meet the standard. If students have not shown proficiency with the skills after three attempts they should meet with their teacher to review and reassess skills. We see standards-based grading as a partnership between the teacher and the learner.

*Mode: the value (in this case the score) that appears most often.

Twice per year (at the end of Quarter 2 and Quarter 4) students will receive a report card with competency grades for the larger power standards.

Report Card Academic Performance Indicators

E - Student work exceeds the standard

M - Student work meets the standard

NY - Student work does not yet meet the standard

U - Unsatisfactory