Grades. They show students’ ability to excel to their top potential. 

Grading systems are put in place to portray students’ mastery of the curriculum for teachers and students. They help report what to learn and study to grow as an individual. Assessments are crucial to have a full view on what was learned and what needs to be practiced and taught more. But, what is standardized-based grading? What is the thought process on it? How does it influence students’ success?

Different curriculum departments in FCHS have been utilizing standard-based grading as their main source of grading this year, particularly the Math, Heath and PE,  and Science Departments. The Standard-based grading system cuts down large subjects into smaller, more uniform, segments (called standards) to help keep learning targets in order. It shows how well students master each standard in contrast to traditional grades based on assignments. The goal is representing and reporting the student’s progress and skill rather than using assignments in a traditional grading system.

“The idea of standard based grading is instead of compiling all these skills and giving you a grade, let’s break up the skills that we’re doing by the standard to better understand the material,” said Instructional Coach Patrick McElveen.

This system has been around for a bit of time. Margaret Moran, newly transferred FC English teacher, worked at Oakton HS for seventeen years. Oakton has been using the standards-based system for a few years. Moran has used standards-based grading since first witnessing it in 2015 and thinks it’s a beneficial system since it “shows a clearer picture of what a student knows and what they can do.”

It’s important to acknowledge that teachers and the departments put together what goes behind the scenes to make the learning process as smooth as possible.

“Standards-based grading, depending on the implementation, will certainly help make the grade represent mastery, and not behaviors, effort, ability, etc,” said assistant principal Sean Rolon.

Standards-based grading can be easier for teachers since their main focus will be on enhancing students’ skills. This method simplifies grading by focusing on one standard at a time. However, planning for the lessons and assessments can be a bit tricky since a lot goes into the process. It requires advanced rubrics that connect to skills that are needed to be able to have this system be worthwhile. 

“It benefits me because grading is easier, and I don’t have to put in zeros for missing assignments. I can focus on helping students learn the content rather than complete the assignment,” said science teacher Jennifer Sokol. 

Interestingly enough, many students tend to struggle with the concept of standard-based grading since they’ve grown accustomed to a traditional grading system that also grades homework and classwork, which can help to improve overall grades for hard-working students, even if their test grades are not the best. 

“Students are struggling because there’s no room for ‘fluffy’ grades in standard-based grading,” said math teacher Rebecca Shultz.

Although it’s easier for teachers to keep track of their grades, some students find it harder to balance between skills and actual learning. 

“If we focus so much on skills, then the contents start getting lost, so sometimes there is a disconnect between the balance of the skills and content,” said Social Studies department chair Joshua Toth.

Teachers and administrators talk about how standard-based grading provides a more organized view on students’ progress. But does it really? Everyone is different and with this, everyone has different thinking. Someone could have the most photographic memory and the other could study for hours and yet still fail. Students are worried that they’re not meeting their fullest potential due to the lack of “training” in their skills. 

“Sometimes the final grade doesn’t really reflect the effort of the student,” Casseylene Cornelio (11).

Adaptability is crucial to keep in mind when thinking about this system because it’s a major adjustment for students and their views on their own learning. It’s important to prepare students since this sudden shift can have an impact on people’s grades, which may impact their future chances for college, jobs, etc. Our school culture has been so used to the traditional grading system that it may take a bit of time to adjust and it will eventually affect lots of students. 

“Upper level math subjects can already be challenging enough, however, changing the grading system especially in the last year of high school makes it more challenging to keep up,” said Santiago Gomez (12).

Students have expressed that it’s a culture shift from the normal traditional grading system with assignments. To add on, it takes time to adjust to the system as it is challenging to keep up with at first. It requires extra individual practice and even verbally asking for help. 

“I think what you can do is basically just working on your individual growth,” said Genesis Cordon (9th).

As standards-based grading spreads through the school, students will need time to process and learn from this experience.

“It is definitely an ongoing process of learning for everyone because it’s a different way of thinking about grading,” said Moran.