Standard based grading: a new look at grading

Abstract

Standard based grading is a form of grading summative assessments (standards) on a grading scale of 0-4; a zero being little or no response, receiving a one is partial understanding, a two is having major errors with more complex ideas, receiving a three means that the student does not forget any information, and a four means that the student applied what they learned. These grades are based on what the student knows, and can perform. The physics teachers and I decided that students needed a way to demonstrate to us that they understood the material that we present to them in the Modeling Instruction style of teaching. We switched from participation points and grading homework to SBG in the form of summative assessments (quizzes and tests). We also switched from lecture style classes to a more guided inquiry (Modeling Instruction) using whiteboards as a tool for learning and class discussion, and student misconceptions are used to format the class structure. SBG is a way to grade the summative assessments on a scale of how well they learned the material. Students know how to earn each point on the scale, and work towards gaining that higher grade. SBG has shown teachers that students are eager to learn and participate in class to prepare themselves for the standards that ultimately lead to a better understanding of the material in class.