When my school district switched to standards-based grading, the most difficult challenge for teachers was explaining the system to parents. Standards-based grading is an approach to assessment that focuses on measuring a student's mastery of specific learning skills, rather than relying on traditional letter grades. As we let go of combining various factors like test scores, homework, and class participation, we made room for visible learning. Using standards-based grading systems helps parents and students understand what skills they trying to master. Explore tips below that will help you make learning more visible for the families in your class. #standardsbasedgrading
Track Student Progress
To help my class track progress, I used student data binders. Each binder had pages dedicated to focus standards, where students would shade in boxes to indicate their mastery of specific skills. Weekly reviews of these standards in their binders helped students become more aware of our grade-level objectives and take responsibility for their learning, which in turn built their confidence.
Click on the images below to download blank pages and get started with your data binders today. #studentdatabinder
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Then, Try This:
At the start of a new unit, outline the learning continuum for your students. Show and have them record the standards you’ll be covering and the sequence in which you’ll address them.
Before each lesson, invite students to co-construct "I am learning..." and "So that I can..."
Integrate visible learning strategies into your classroom routines. When setting expectations, have students define what “success” looks like and categorize behavior targets into various levels.
I Am a Learner
It's essential to guide students from fixed mindsets to growth mindsets. Rather than concentrating solely on the final letter grade, standards-based grading encourages students to seek out opportunities for growth and skill development.
One of my favorite features of these 4th Grade Quick Checks and 5th grade Standards-Based Math Skills Assessments is the “I Am Learning” worksheets. These pages allow students to write about what they’re learning in math and describe how they engage with and practice the skills.
Ask your students:
What skill are you practicing in our reading lesson today?
What do you do when you feel stuck on a math problem?
What makes you curious about this topic?
Whether you use the resources below or simply check for understanding before lessons, quick-check assessments are ideal for pre-assessing gifted students before introducing a new concept. If they are already able to complete a task at a proficient level, don't waste their time. It has been said that gifted students learn new things in their classrooms less than 30% of the days they attend school each year. Having multiple versions of assessments also provides additional chances for struggling students to demonstrate their progress. You can create similar standards checklists to help your students track their advancement. #mathquickchecks
Watch for These Transformations in Your Students:
By reflecting on their learning and unpacking standards, students become more engaged and invested in their own growth.
Students will understand the learning process and identify areas for personal improvement.
You might hear students talking about learning standards during transition times and even at recess!
Parents may contact you saying, "Wow my child is more engaged in learning this year than ever before. I love seeing their progress on their standards charts."
It happened in my classroom so it can happen in yours, too!
Visible Learning Bump It Up Wall
During math lessons, I displayed our main priority standard— the key standard we were focusing on—on our focus wall. I then presented four student samples that demonstrated varying levels of understanding of this standard. While I usually created these samples myself, I occasionally invited students to generate their own problems and sort them into the appropriate categories.
I themed our focus wall around ice cream, encouraging students to "add another scoop" to their learning cone. In our district, proficiency was rated at level 3. We discussed what steps were needed to advance to the next level. Students showcased their ability to solve math problems at each level, reflecting their current understanding and progress. #bumpitupwall
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