In today’s classrooms, traditional grading often misses the mark—relying on averages and compliance. In contrast, Standards-Based Grading (SBG) shifts the focus from averages to true mastery of content. Rather than assigning a single overall grade, SBG breaks learning down into smaller, specific “learning targets”—teachable concepts students are expected to master by the end of a course.
Throughout the term, educators assess student progress on each learning target, offering clear insights into what students know and where they need support. This approach not only improves the accuracy of assessment, but also measures the effectiveness of instruction—helping educators tailor their teaching to better meet student needs.
This professional development course empowers K–12 teachers with the mindset, tools, and strategies needed to implement SBG successfully. Participants will learn how to align grading practices with standards, design meaningful assessments, and provide feedback that motivates students and builds ownership of their learning.
Standards-Based Grading (SBG) helps everyone—teachers, students, and families—understand exactly what students are expected to learn. When expectations are clear, students feel more confident, stay engaged, and know how to improve.
This grading approach also makes it easier for teachers to give personalized support for each student and for families to follow their child’s progress. Backed by strong educational research, SBG has been shown to boost motivation, increase learning, and better support students who need it most.
Educators will walk away with a deeper understanding of how to assess student learning fairly and effectively while building a positive classroom culture centered on growth, not just grades. Through the theory and implementation of standards-based grading.
Lifetime Access to Digital Resources.
Implementation workbook for note-taking.
6 hours of PD Credit.
Dive into the history and limitations of traditional grading methods. This module explores how letter grades, averaging, and non-academic factors (like behavior or extra credit) can distort the true picture of student learning. You’ll examine key research showing how Standards-Based Grading (SBG) offers a fairer, more accurate approach that promotes equity, encourages growth, and better reflects what students know and can do.
Learn how to build clear, consistent rubrics and performance scales that are easy for students and families to understand. You’ll see how using defined criteria for each level of mastery not only improves grading accuracy but also empowers students to take ownership of their learning by understanding exactly what success looks like and how to get there.
Not every standard is equally essential. This session guides educators in identifying which standards are most critical for long-term academic success—based on their endurance, leverage, and readiness. You’ll walk away with tools to streamline your curriculum and focus your teaching on the knowledge and skills that truly matter most.
Transform vague or broad standards into precise, measurable learning targets. You’ll learn how to break standards down into levels of mastery that support goal-setting, drive lesson planning, and help students understand their progress. These proficiency scales become the roadmap for both teaching and learning.
Design meaningful assessments that accurately measure student understanding. This module focuses on aligning assessments to your prioritized standards and proficiency scales. You’ll learn how to use both formative and summative data to guide instruction, adjust pacing, and ensure every student is progressing.
Move beyond traditional report cards filled with percentages and vague categories. Learn how to report on individual learning targets using evidence of mastery. This module explores tools and strategies for sharing student progress with families in a way that is clear, supportive, and growth-focused.
Master the transition from point-based grading to standards-based scoring. You’ll explore different methods for translating assessments into performance levels, maintaining consistency across classrooms, and building confidence in your grading system—all while ensuring that grades reflect true learning, not just task completion.
Bring it all together with a step-by-step plan for schoolwide implementation. Learn how to lead conversations with stakeholders, create professional development plans, and build systems that support consistency across grade levels. Whether you’re piloting in one classroom or scaling district-wide, you’ll gain the tools to implement SBG effectively and sustainably.
Schedule one of our highly interactive, customized training sessions for your next teacher in-service day.
Have one of our consultants provide in-person professional learning within your staff’s PLC schedule.
Let one of our consultants provide training during a faculty meeting either before or after school.
This training is also offered online—same great content, accessible anywhere.
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