Standards Based Learning in Westerville City Schools

In 2021, Westerville Schools began a standards based learning initiative. The goal of this process is to provide a cohesive and consistent focus on learning. Students are evaluated based on a set of standards and proficiency scales to determine if they have reached mastery. Whereas traditional grading emphasizes point accumulation and can often include elements like behavior, a standards based system focuses on the degree of mastery of a topic and separates behavior reporting from the grade. Students are given multiple opportunities to demonstrate mastery while teachers and parents gain a better picture of what students know about a given topic. More information on the process and how Standards Based Learning can work in your classroom is below.

Why do Standards Based Learning? 

Standards based learning gives grades more meaning than in a traditional grading system. There is no mystery behind what a grade is and what the expectations for an assignment were. It removes behaviors and other topics from the reporting of student performance and knowledge. It also provides greater flexibility in teaching a topic, allowing teachers to adjust their strategies and assignments to respond to the needs of students. Students are not penalized permanently for not knowing something, but are instead encouraged to grow their understanding and make new attempts at improving. 

Additionally, Standards Based Learning streamlines a number of Federal, State, and District initiatives, making it easier on teachers who have to manage the various goals and measurements behind these. OTES, TBTs, and Portrait of a Graduate are all well served by a standards based approach to learning.