K-1 Report Cards

Standards-Based Grading

Information for Families

Standards-Based Grading

What is standards-based grading?

Standards-based grading (SBG) focuses on learning and helps improve student achievement. It provides a means for measuring student learning and a way to examine the effectiveness of instruction. SBG differs from the traditional approach to grading which typically measures students by the percentage of work completed. Instead, SBG focuses on mastery (or demonstration of proficiency) of standards or standards-based skills at a point in time.

How does SBG work?

Instead of giving one overall grade in a subject, SBG breaks each subject matter down into smaller learning targets. These targets are standards or teachable concepts that are aligned to the standards. Students should demonstrate proficiency or mastery of each target by the end of a unit, module, or by the end of the school year. Teachers track and record student progress of learning targets while providing appropriate feedback and adapting instruction to meet the individual needs of students.

Reporting with Traditional Grades

Traditional Report Card

Subject

1Q

Mathematics

95%=A

Traditional Grading Scale

A

90-100%

B

80-89%

C

70-79%`

D

60-69%

F

0-59%

Why use SBG?

Students have ownership of their learning

  • Students understand learning targets

  • Students are intrinsically motivated

  • Students self-assess and reflect on their performance

Instruction is more relevant

  • A less frustrating learning environment

  • Allows for differentiation based on grade level standards

Teachers provide effective feedback

  • Provides direct/specific feedback so students understand areas to improve

  • Direct and specific feedback accelerates learning

Better measurement of learning

  • Students understand why they receive each score

  • Easier to track performance

  • Details of student level of proficiency

  • More accurate scores based on learning goals and performance

Grades are NOT calculated on…

  • Behaviors or Group Work

  • Turned in Late

  • Homework completion

  • Extra Credit

  • Percent Correct/Points

SBG Levels of Proficiency 

Score

Descriptor

Explanation

3.0

Meeting

The student has demonstrated a thorough knowledge, understanding, and application of the concepts, skills, and processes the grade-level standards require.

2.0

Approaching

The student is gaining an understanding of the concepts, skills, and processes the standards require, but needs some additional support.

1.0

Developing

The student is beginning to understand the concepts, skills, and processes the standards require and needs consistent additional support.

NE

No Evidence

No evidence of the learning has been demonstrated. The student needs to engage or apply the concepts, skills, and processes that have been taught.

SBG helps teachers be responsive to student learning. When teachers start a new learning target, they begin with an introductory lesson. Some students progress immediately, but many do not. It is common to have misunderstandings when you begin learning new information or skills. Teachers use the information they gain from scoring student output to provide feedback, reteach, or extend learning.

Scores do not equate to traditional letter grades A, B, C, D, and F.

  • A score of 3.0 indicates that a student is right where they need to be - they are MEETING expectations and can perform the grade-level standards.

  • A score of 2.0 indicates that although a student may not be meeting the grade-level expectation yet, they are making good progress. They are APPROACHING and in need of some additional support to do grade-level work.

  • A score of 1.0 indicates that a student is DEVELOPING to understand the grade level skills and concepts and needs consistent additional support. A score of “1” no longer requires a “Failure Conference”.

Our goal is for all students to MEET grade level expectations and score 3s in each subject area. Rarely, a student may earn an “NE” indicating that No Evidence of the learning has been demonstrated. A score of “NE” on a report card requires a “Failure Conference ''.  A conversation with an administrator is required before giving an NE.

When do I use an S, N, or U?

Scores of “S” for Satisfactory, “N” for Needs Improvement, and “U” for Unsatisfactory are earned in Science and Social Studies.  These scores will reflect the level of understanding of the content area as a whole as opposed to showing an understanding of individual standards.

Sample Report Cards

DRAFT of Kindergarten Report Card (2024-2025)

DRAFT of First Grade Report Card (2024-2025)