Standards-Based Grading

We changed our grading system to give families a clearer and more accurate picture of what their child knows and can do. Standards-Based Grading focuses on specific skills and learning goals, helping students understand what they are learning, where they are making progress, and where they may need additional support.

Transitioning all of our elementary students at the same time creates consistency among teaching practices. 

This change is several years in the making, beginning with input from a parent advisory council and a committee of teachers. This process ensured that those who are impacted most by this change would be the ones providing input on the changes.

Additionally, this change comes as many other school districts in the state, including some in Allegan County, shift to this model. 

Traditional grades often combine test scores, homework, participation, effort, and other factors into one overall percentage or letter grade. Standards-Based Grading separates academic achievement from behaviors like effort and work habits and focuses specifically on how well a student has mastered individual skills and standards.

You will see report cards that provide more specific information about your child's learning. Instead of one letter grade for an entire subject, you will see individual skills and standards with a performance level that shows your child's current progress. You can also expect ongoing communication about your child's strengths, areas for growth, and opportunities for additional practice and support.

Students are being assessed on Michigan Academic Standards,  learning goals established by the Michigan Department of Education that outline what students should know and be able to do at each grade level. They provide a clear framework for teaching and learning and help ensure that students are building the knowledge and skills they need for future success.

The grading rubrics are based on these standards, and were developed by district teachers to ensure they align with local goals. 

This will not change the frequency in which students take tests-- students will still be assessed at the end of a unit. 

Don't panic! A 1 or 2 simply shows that your child is still developing or progressing toward mastery of a specific skill. Review the standard with your child, celebrate the areas where they are making progress, and talk with their teacher about ways you can provide targeted support at home. Remember that it is normal for students to have 1s and 2s earlier in the year and progress to a 3 as they develop mastery.

Is your student upset about their 1 or 2? Have a conversation with them about how people grow - a 1 or 2 is not a failure, but an opportunity to continue working to master a new skill. 

Daily classwork serves as practice for students, and teachers give feedback on how they can work towards the learning standard. 

Students are formally assessed periodically, at which time they are assigned a one, two, or three based on their mastery. 

Standards-based grading does not affect your child's IEP. They will continue to receive individualized, support, services, and accommodations to help them achieve mastery of each skill. 

Since SBG helps clarify what students need additional support with, your child will actually receive support that is more targeted and tailored to their strengths and areas of growth. 

Standards-Based Grading does not change our staffing needs.

What SBG does change is how existing staff are utilized. With more specific information about how a child is meeting standards, staff are able to give more efficient, targeted support.

Instead of general support, our current staff can pinpoint the exact skill a student needs help with and provide flexible, highly focused instruction, ensuring every child receives the targeted support they need.