Standards-Based Grading: an Examination of Assessment Options

Abstract

Methods of assessing and measuring student learning have long been examined for their effectiveness in providing valid and reliable reports. While letter grades have historically been the traditional system of grading and the common choice of educators and parents, the growing importance of standards-based instruction has created a need to rethink options. There are challenges to all options of assessment however, evaluating student growth through the use of a standards-based grading system is reported to provide more clarity and value to the process of assessment.