Standards-based Grading Frequently Asked Questions
What is standards-based grading?
Standards-based grading [SBG] assesses students based on their proficiency in specific Illinois Learning Standards. Unlike traditional letter grades that can include academic and non-academic factors, SBG provides information on a student’s mastery of specific standards. The most effective grading practices let families know what their children should be able to do and how to improve. Standards-based grading will ensure that grades are accurate, specific, and timely to improve student performance.
Why change to standards-based grading?
Traditional grades are imprecise and do not communicate the specific skills that students need to be successful in their current grade level. The updated report cards will reflect the specific standards and the level of mastery based on evidence collected by the teacher.
How is standards-based grading different from traditional letter grades?
Traditional grading uses letter grades or percentages based on overall performance, including homework, tests, participation, etc. Standards-based grading focuses on students’ mastery of specific skills and standards. Grades will be determined by summative and formative assessments that demonstrate a student’s level of proficiency on the standards. All students will be provided with instruction that is at the standard and provided with support if they need remediation or enrichment.
Traditional Versus Standards-Based Grading - The document outlines the major differences between traditional and standards-based grading.
What do the different levels or scores mean in standards-based grading?
Scale Score | Academic Descriptor |
4.0 | The student demonstrates in-depth skills/knowledge that goes beyond the learning standard. |
3.0 | The student independently and consistently demonstrates skills/knowledge necessary to show mastery of the standard. |
2.0 | The student can independently demonstrate some of the skills/knowledge necessary to reach the standard. |
1.0 | The student does not independently demonstrate the skills/knowledge necessary to reach the standard. |
IE | Insufficient Evidence |
NG | Not Yet Graded |
What is the difference between insufficient evidence [IE] and Not Yet Graded [NG]?
Insufficient Evidence or IE on the report card means that the teacher was not able to collect enough evidence during the reporting period to grade the standard. This could be due to interruptions in learning, such as extended absences from school or other student-specific issues. Students will have the opportunity to make up assessments or other evidence to receive a score for the standard. Not Yet Graded or NG on the report card means that the standard was not taught or assessed during the reporting period. The standard will be taught and assessed during an upcoming reporting period.
How can I help my child if they are not meeting the standards?
If your child is not meeting standards, you can:
Communicate with teachers: Discuss specific areas of difficulty and get recommendations for support.
Provide extra practice: Use resources provided by the school including tutoring opportunities to supplement classroom learning.
Encourage effort and resilience: Help your child understand that improvement is possible with effort and persistence.
How are behavior and effort reported in standards-based learning?
In standards-based grading, behavior and effort are reported separately from academics. This separation ensures that grades reflect academic proficiency rather than behavior or participation. ‘Learner Behaviors’ are the key skills that all students need to demonstrate to be successful in school. The learner behaviors that will be measured on the report card are listed in the chart below. Learner behaviors are essential for success in school and careers with a growing need for candidates to demonstrate strong collaboration, organization, and critical thinking skills.
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How often are standards-based report cards issued?
All District schools will continue to receive report cards four [4] times a year, at the end of each quarter.
How can I understand my child’s progress if there are no traditional grades?
In standards-based grading, progress is detailed for each standard, providing families with specific information on their child's mastery and areas needing further development. This information is much more specific and straightforward than traditional letter grades.
How does standards-based grading prepare my child for high school and beyond?
Standards-based grading is aimed at helping students gain a better understanding of the content and skills by promoting mastery and application of the standards. This method lays a solid groundwork for the more advanced assessments and expectations in high school and beyond. In addition to state assessment data and interim assessment data, the revised report cards will offer receiving high schools a more precise and detailed account of a student's comprehension.
Will programs like the National Junior Honor Society [NJHS] continue with standards-based learning?
The National Junior Honor Society [NJHS] will continue at Parker Junior High School. NJHS members must maintain a cumulative average of level 3s and 4s on their quarterly report card grades. Discipline expectations and faculty council review will remain consistent for the NJHS program.
Will honor roll still be recognized with standards-based learning?
Honor roll will continue to be recognized at the Junior High level. Students will receive honor roll recognition for maintaining all 3s and 4s in all classes.
To learn more about Standards-based grading in District 161, click here.