by Michaela Lamb |

Standard Based Grading? What on earth is that and why does it sound so scary?
In reality, Standard Based Grading is nothing more than a new manner of monitoring student productivity. This new system is similar to those used on MAP tests. Instead of a traditional grading system like Liberty uses now, grades will be determined on a 4-3-2-1 scale, with a score of ‘4’ being advanced and a ‘1’ meaning that there is a lot of room for improvement.
The Standard Based Grading System is supposed to award credit based on a student’s ability to perform a certain learning goal. When a student is tested over that task or skill they receive a grade ranging from one to four. Liberty’s goal is to get most, if not all of the students tested to a score of ‘3’, meaning that they are proficient in performing the assigned goal.
Frequent, informative feedback for students along with reflective practice on the students’ part will also play a big part in this process. Clear rubrics and guidelines will help guide students toward the learning expectations that will come from this system of grading. This feedback embraces the importance of the idea that people learn at different rates.
Pre-tests and post-tests, which are already commonly used in classrooms, will be used to gauge the student’s grasp of the subject being taught and if they have achieved mastery of it. Pre-tests would allow teachers to see where students are at before teaching a unit and allowing them to focus on specific areas of concern.
The journey toward this decision has included a staff survey focused on the Principles of Learning, looking not just at the effort the student has put into learning or reaching a goal, but how well they have achieved what they set out to do.
Teaching and learning is a partnership and students should be as involved in their learning as possible. A high quality education in a supportive environment where growth and goal mastery is promoted by both students and teachers is the goal of these  changes.
Teachers are talking about learning, and exploring new curriculum. They are making decisions about what students will be learning and how they will be involved in the classroom.
For those people who are concerned about the idea of Standard Based Grading, rest assured, these changes are far in the future.