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.

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.