Standards Based Grading Response

I have some experience with standards based grading although I cannot remember the criteria at all. I just remember parent/teacher conferences in elementary school. All of my scores were based on a 1-4. There were no zeros, but like I sad I don't remember much more than that. I have always liked the idea of standards based grading for numerous reasons that I will attempt to fit in here.

First of all, standards based grading seems to be the most beneficial way for students, parents, and teachers to evaluate students progress toward objectives. We can clearly say, here is what we are shooting for, this number is based on how close you are to achieving the objective. A five means you are proficient. Let's move together toward making that a five. Giving the parameters of what matches a 1-5 will help students know what they need a work on to achieve their goal to become a 5 in this standard. We will then know when to move on with instruction. While an argument can be made for grades doing the same thing, let's speak on grades and what it means to students.

Grades are an issue in all of our lives. As a student I am worried about my grades and how it will effect my future, as are my students with their grades. As a teacher I am worried about my own instruction when my students get bad grades, as are their parents. The difference between traditional grades and standards based grading is the latter can be changed. Let's say a student gets a C on an assignment on their final. That C shall be stuck there and it will be a grind to get the grade back up. Now lets same come finals that student reaches a 3 in their standards based grade. We can grow that three to a four or five and the students doesn't have to worry about making up for that three like they do the C. Standards based grading removes a lot of stress from the students, which they desperately need since students are becoming busier and busier creating more stress.

Standards based grades are easily to analyze on a student to student basis. Most of my students are at a 2 with this objective lets you know that you can get them up to a five. It helps us build what we need to work on and what we can move on to. It builds a mastery focused classroom, rather than a grade focused classroom. This builds for an environment focused on learning and achieving goals, which makes for better students and better teachers.