What Is Standards-Based Grading?
A grading system that measures student mastery of specific learning standards rather than averaging points from assignments, tests, and participation.
Standards-Based Grading (SBG) is an approach to grading that reports student achievement in terms of mastery of specific learning standards rather than aggregating points from various assignments. Instead of a single letter grade, students receive ratings (like 1-4 or Beginning/Developing/Proficient/Advanced) for each standard.
In SBG, grades reflect what students know and can do — not compliance behaviors like turning in homework on time or participating in class. Late work penalties, extra credit, and averaging are eliminated because they distort the picture of what a student has actually learned.
SBG provides more actionable information for students, parents, and teachers. Instead of 'Your child has a B in math,' the report says 'Your child is proficient in multiplication and division but developing in fractions.' This clarity helps target instruction and communicate progress.
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Rubric
A scoring guide that defines criteria and quality levels for evaluating student work, making expectations transparent and grading consistent.
Formative Assessment
Ongoing, low-stakes assessments used during instruction to monitor student learning and adjust teaching in real time.
Summative Assessment
Assessments given at the end of an instructional period to evaluate student mastery against standards or learning objectives.
Learning Objective
A clear, measurable statement of what students should know or be able to do by the end of a lesson, using specific action verbs.
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