SBE Parent Information
Understanding Differences (table)
Traditional Grading Compare to Standards-Based Grading |
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Traditional |
Standards-based |
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How does Standards-Based Grading Work?
While traditional grading averages all of student work and may include non-academic factors, standards-based grading focuses solely on proficiency. Teachers use the following scores to indicate the level of proficiency a student is demonstrating throughout the school year:
- 4.0 - Demonstrates understanding that exceeds the grade level standard or target.
- 3.0 - Demonstrates proficiency with the grade level standard or target.
- 2.0 - Demonstrates partial understanding of the grade level standard or target.
- 1.0 - Demonstrates beginning understanding of the grade level standard or target.
- 0.5 - Demonstrates misunderstandings about prerequisite knowledge and/or skills necessary to meet the grade level end of year standard (expectation) or target.
The goal is that learners will demonstrate an understanding of the critical content, that their proficiency level will be at a 3.0 by the end of the school year or at the end of instruction for each grade level standard. When that happens, learners are better prepared for and find success at the next grade level.
To receive a 4.0, students must demonstrate that their level of understanding exceeds the standards set for their grade level. Keep in mind, however, that not all standards, foundational standards for example, will have an option for a 4.0 (example: identifying letters and sounds in kindergarten -- a 3.0 would be if a student can name all 26 letters, and there is not an advanced assessment to go beyond). Students, however, may begin working on new, more challenging standards when they have reached proficiency on these foundational standards.