Standards Based
Grading
2013-14Why the change?
+ In 2012-13, the ASD adopted the grade scale set forth by the State Board of
Education for 9-12 grading (page 14).
+ (3)(b) gives discretion to LEAs to determine their own grading scale for K-8
+ (3)(c} requires a uniform grade scale for grades 9-12 (mainly to ensure
uniformity when students from different LEAs are qualifying for the Lottery
Scholarships)
* Moving into 2013-14, the ASD wanted to implement a grading scale and
grading practice in grades K-8 that would empower educators, students, and
parents/guardians to make informed decisions about how to use instructional
time and support time to either concepts and skills students had not yet
mastered or to expand a student's abilities in strength areas.
+ After research, the ASD settled upon adopting standards based grading for its
direct run schools with a grade scale based upon the cut scores from the 2013
State of Tennessee TCAP assessment.What is SBG2
+ Also known as grading for learning, standards based grading separates
evidence of learning from motivational indicators.
* Evidence of Learning: test, quiz, project, assignment, paper, conversations
between studentsteachers, student modeling a concept or skill
* Motivational Indicators: homework completion, classwork completion,
class participation, attendance
* Standards based grading seeks to communicate where a student is performing
against grade level standards for learning to the student and parent/guardian
* Standards based grading can help teachers, students, and parents hone in on
areas for growth where a student is not demonstrating mastery of a grade level
skill or concept and accelerate areas where the student is performing at or
above grade level expectation
+ Ultimately, meeting grade level expectation is determined by each student's
performance on the TCAP assessment and not the grades provided by the ASD.
The grades are a way for us to inform parents/guardians, students, and
instructors about each student's progress towards standards.
21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) Expanded Learning Time (ELT) Under The ESEA Flexibility Optional WaiverI. 21st CCLC Program Requirements