Standards-Based Grading :Standards-Based Grading Frequently Asked Questions 3 4 2 1 3 5 ? ? ? in the Jamestown Schools


What is the……. :What is the……. Jamestown Schools use a standards-based grading system. 1 thru 4 grading system at Melrose? 1 thru 5 grading system at Lawn? and


What is standards-based grading? :What is standards-based grading? The Rhode Island Department of Education Has established a set of defined expectations by grade & subject. These are known as: Grade-Level Expectations (GLE) Grade-Span Expectations (GSE) Our standard-based grading system is built on these defined expectations. For more information click This standard-based grading system separately assesses the influence of positive & consistent work habits, attitudes, efforts and participation.


Is a standards–based grading system used to avoid comparing students to one another? :Is a standards–based grading system used to avoid comparing students to one another? NO! The purpose of our standards-based grading system is to measure a student’s performance and product against the defined Grade-Level Expectations (GLE).


Why use a standards-based grading system instead of a traditional grading system? :Why use a standards-based grading system instead of a traditional grading system? REPORT CARD Standards-based grading offers more precise information at specific times about… What a student knows What a student is able to do Subject Grade v v v Standards-based grading lets teachers separate from academic grades.. Work Habits Effort Attitudes Participation v v v


How do standards-based grades compare to a traditional grading system? :How do standards-based grades compare to a traditional grading system? A 3 A 4 = A 5 = = They Meeting the standard (3) means that a student has demonstrated that he or she has learned the required skills and concepts. Hit the Target Meet the Standard DON’T compare!


Are standards-based grades any more or less subjective than a traditional grading system? :Are standards-based grades any more or less subjective than a traditional grading system? All grading systems are somewhat subjective. Our standards-based system evaluates a student’s performance against a set of clearly-defined expectations – this limits subjectivity.


Why do some teachers give checks or percentage grades on homework & tests, while others don’t? :Why do some teachers give checks or percentage grades on homework & tests, while others don’t? Some teachers may use or when evaluating basic skills such as etc.. These basic skills are simply a piece of the foundation necessary to be able to successfully meet certain standards. Spelling 100% dinosaur qualify pollution disconnect exercise Math Facts 2 x 1 = 2 2 x 6 = 12 2 x 2 = 4 2 x 7 = 14 2 x 3 - 6 2 x 8 = 16 2 x 4 = 8 2 x 9 = 18 2 x 5 = 10 2 x 10 = 20 v For examples click checks percentages spelling, math facts,


If a teacher’s expectations vary from student to student, will the standards be applied differently to each student? :If a teacher’s expectations vary from student to student, will the standards be applied differently to each student? 3 Meeting the Standard The expectations for meeting the standard should not vary. These expectations are based on an established set of criteria, and For examples, click NO! student to student. these criteria don’t change from


If a child moves to a school that doesn’t use standards-based grading, how will that school interpret his grades? :If a child moves to a school that doesn’t use standards-based grading, how will that school interpret his grades? Standards-based education has been an established approach for two decades. Private & public schools alike are knowledgeable about this system of grading. Children who meet the standard are considered students. SUCCESSFUL


Why do Jamestown Schools use a for kindergarten thru 4th grades, and a for 5th thru 8th grades? :Why do Jamestown Schools use a for kindergarten thru 4th grades, and a for 5th thru 8th grades? Melrose Lawn Each school developed its grading scale separately, based on elementary and middle school needs. four point scale five point scale


Why are effort codes for 5th and 6th grade different from the codes used for 7th & 8th grade? :Why are effort codes for 5th and 6th grade different from the codes used for 7th & 8th grade? The Jamestown Schools are committed to a K thru 8 standards-based grading system. Grade spans (K, 1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8) were allowed flexibility based on the needs of the students, parents and teachers. The grading system for 5th & 6th grade uses a 1 thru 5 scale for academic evaluations and a separate learner quality key with comment codes for non-academic areas and learner behaviors. The grading system for 7th & 8th grade also uses a 1 thru 5 scale for academic evaluations, but uses a 6 thru 10 scale for separate learner qualities and behaviors. To view sample report cards click


What if I still have questions? :What if I still have questions? speak to your child’s teacher or a school administrator. If your question(s) can help others as well, we’ll add it to our……….. “Knowledge is power” Frequently Asked Questions Please AND Sir Francis Bacon