Standards-Based Learning

 http://www.ascd.org/publications/educational_leadership/oct08/vol66/num02/Seven_Reasons_for_Standards-Based_Grading.aspx

I am sure we have all heard that your district will move towards Standards-Based Report card and learning, but what is it and how will it be done. I found a great article

Seven Reasons for Standards-Based Grading by Patricia L. Scriffiny originally published in October 2008 | Volume 66 | Number 2 of  Expecting Excellence Pages 70-74 I have included the link above as well. Here are her seven reasons and as an innovative teacher/librarian and a parent what I value for my children and my students.

Reason 1: Grades Should Have Meaning

Reason 2: We Need to Challenge the Status Quo

Reason 3: We Can Control Grading Practices

Reason 4: Standards-Based Grading Reduces Meaningless Paperwork

Reason 5: It Helps Teachers Adjust Instruction 

Reason 6: It Teaches What Quality Looks Like

Reason 7: It's a Launchpad to Other Reforms

She also included a comparison chart that shows how the grade books compare, which illustrates just how schools can benefit from this innovative change.

Figure 1. Comparing Traditional and Standards-Based Grade Books

Traditional Grade Book
Name	Homework Average	Quiz 1	Chapter 1 Test
John	90	65	70
Bill	50	75	78
Susan	110	50	62
Felicia	10	90	85
Amanda	95	100	90
Standards-Based Grade Book
Name	Objective 1: Write an alternate ending for a story	Objective 2: Identify the elements of a story	Objective 3: Compare and contrast two stories
John	Partially proficient	Proficient	Partially proficient
Bill	Proficient	Proficient	Partially proficient
Susan	Partially proficient	Partially proficient	Partially proficient
Felicia	Advanced	Proficient	Proficient
Amanda	Partially proficient	Advanced	Proficient