Is standards-based grading more equitable?

Standards-based grading systems that do not simply translate a B into a 3, but accurately capture student learning across concepts and skills, promote equity and fairness in schools. They help students, teachers, and parents focus on growth.

Why is standards based grading better?

In SBG environments, better feedback accelerates learning. Instead of simply giving scores like 9/10 or 85%, teachers give feedback about the task performed and skills used. This helps students understand their current areas of improvement, and helps them reach the next level.

What are the criticism of standards based grading?

Standards-based grading doesn't really allow for minuses or pluses, so the range for doing well is [narrower].” As a result, students are not really able to comprehend how a standards-based grade compares to a traditional grade.

What is equitable grading system?

Equitable grading can take different forms, but it aims to measure how students understand the classroom material by the end of a term without penalties for behavior, The Wall Street Journal reported. This has resulted in more opportunities for students to complete tests and assignments.

What are the problems with equitable grading?

Critics of grading for equity say there is not enough empirical data or experience to suggest that the purported successes of the approach could work at scale. In many districts that have adopted equitable grading, the process is too new—and still too inconsistent—to yield reliable research data.

Equity Based Grading & Standards Based Grading - Every Teacher's Nightmare "Zeroes are toxic"

What are the cons of grading for equity?

These policies aren't teaching students to be responsible and accountable for their work. Inflated grades only mask a lack of proficiency. Equitable grading may decrease the number of failing grades, but districts that adopt it are the ones failing.

How is equitable grading different from traditional grading?

Equitable grading practices separate the behavior from the assessment of knowledge. These practices emphasize the belief that all students can learn and meet learning targets. According to experts, traditional grading with the well-known bell curve and 100-point scale is inherently inequitable.

How do I make my grading more equitable?

By contrast, more equitable grading practice looks like: Mathematical approach; instead of using a 100 point scale, using a 0-4 grading scale instead; avoid giving them a zero score. Recent student's grades should carry more weightage than averaging performance over time in the final grade in their report cards.

How does standards-based grading work?

In a standards-based grading system, only the standard or competency is being measured. Grading practices and policies are transparent for students and families, and learners are able to understand what they've learned and what they're learning next.

What are the three pillars of grading for equity?

Feldman's three elements of equitable grading practices are accuracy, motivation, and bias-resistance.

What are the disadvantages of standards based grading?

What does the research say about standards based grading?

Studies show standards-based teaching practices correlate to higher academic achievement (Craig, 2011; Schoen, Cebulla, Finn, & Fi, 2003). Therefore, it is critical that teachers also link assessments and reporting to the standards (Guskey, 2001).

What are the disadvantages of standard based education?

How do you explain standards based grading to parents?

The purpose of standards-based grading is to identify what a student knows, or is able to do, in relation to pre-established learning targets, as opposed to simply averaging grades/scores over the course of a grading period, which can mask what a student has learned, or not learned, in a specific course.

Which type of students does equitable grading benefit?

External evaluators found that more equitable grading practices significantly decrease the difference between students' grades and their scores on standardized tests. The effect has been stronger for low-income students.

What makes a school equitable?

Equitable access and inclusion requires identifying students' individual needs, removing barriers to access, and providing appropriate accommodations for those students who need them.

What are equitable grading practices in college?

Equitable assessments and grading practices allow students to revise, resubmit, or reattempt without penalty. Students can use the received feedback to improve their learning and performance without focusing on or stressing about their grades.

Is standards based grading the same as competency based grading?

Competency-based grading is a type of standards-based grading that incorporates aspects of mastery grading while structuring learning into bundles or tiers that are associated with specific grades (Towsley and Schmid 2020).

Why equity must be part of grading reform?

Grading for equity goes beyond FAST grading and standards-based grading in two ways: It protects grading from implicit individual biases and it counteracts the institutional biases in traditional grading.

Why is extra credit not equitable?

In discussing extra credit, Feldman explains that: "without us realizing it, extra credit not only devalues a teacher's curriculum but actually increases the achievement gap" (114). If there are activities you routinely offer extra credit for, why haven't you made them part of your official curriculum?

What is standard based grading grade inflation?

According to research by Griffin and Page 6 Standards-based Grading 5 Townsley (2021), grade inflation causes students who would have failed a course based on performance to actually pass a course due to inflation by other behaviors graded in the classroom.

How does standard based grading affect students?

Research has shown that Standards-Based Grading can have a positive impact on student performance. Studies have indicated that using this approach can lead to improved achievement, increased engagement in learning, and a better classroom climate.

What are the pros of standard based classroom practices?

Standards-based instruction allows teachers and students to be on the same page by specifying how teachers and students will meet their education goals, including specific concepts, order, or instructional materials (Krueger & Sutton, 2001).

What is a major criticism of school standardized testing?

Standardized tests don't accurately measure student learning and growth. Unlike standardized tests, performance-based assessment allows students to choose how they show learning.

Where did standards-based grading come from?

Standards-based grading came about based on the idea that teachers should have defined academic goals for students, determine if they have met the goals, and communicate grades to students and parents (Spencer, 2012). The creation of the standards provided a baseline for teachers to consistently teach core concepts.