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6-8 Standards-Based Grading System
The Standards-Based Grading System is designed to support and guide students through their educational journey with greater clarity. By setting clear, established standards for each subject and grade level, we offer a detailed roadmap of what students need to learn and achieve. This approach helps us accurately recognize and support each student's growth and accomplishments. Proficiency levels indicate how well a student is progressing toward meeting these standards. When students meet all the criteria for a standard, they are considered proficient, reflecting their successful understanding and advancement.
Contacts
Contact Us
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For questions or to give feedback, please email Richard Smith, Director of Middle School Redesign at rsmith5@pps.net.
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2024-25 Grading
PPS is transitioning to a consistent Standards-Based Grading System across our 28 middle schools for grades 6 through 8 to provide clearer and more meaningful feedback. Some of our middle schools have already embraced this approach, and supports its benefits. Our K-5 schools have also made strides in this direction with their report cards.
Timeline
More than thirty educators across our 6-8 schools are currently piloting our district-wide gradebook for English Language Arts, Math, and Health. Students who are enrolled in classes with these teachers have received this . Throughout this year, we will be hosting engagement sessions with families and educators to gather valuable feedback on this transition. Your insights are crucial as we work together to ensure a smooth and effective implementation.
We are excited to transition all middle grades to a standards-based grading model starting in the 2025-26 school year. To keep you informed, this website will be regularly updated with the latest information throughout the year. In the meantime, we welcome your feedback.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is ¡°standards-based grading?¡± How is it different from traditional grading?
Standards-based grading evaluates academic progress as measured against Common Core, state, and national standards. Instead of rating a student’s ability to complete a given assignment (on the traditional A-F scale), it provides information about a student’s progress toward specific learning standards.
A standards-based grading system is founded on these key principles:
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Classroom instruction and assessments are aligned with PPS and Oregon State Standards.
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Students are given multiple opportunities to demonstrate their growth and learning.
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Formative assessments provide feedback aimed at supporting student growth and enhancing instructional practices.
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Consistent scoring guides (rubrics) are used to assess a student's level of learning, and to outline steps for improvement.
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Progress on each standard and cluster of standards is reported regularly.
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Academic performance and behavior are reported separately.
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Teacher judgment and expertise are highly valued.
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Why is PPS transitioning to using standards-based grading?
Standards-based grading evaluates academic progress as measured against Common Core, state, and national standards. Instead of rating a student’s ability to complete a given assignment (on the traditional A-F scale), it provides information about a student’s progress toward specific learning standards.
Unlike traditional grading, the system uses a proficiency scale. For each standard, the teacher assigns a proficiency level to indicate a student's progress toward a standard. Because standards-based grading is based on an expectation of growth, a Developing Proficiency (DP) or Close to Proficient (CP) early in the year does not indicate poor performance (a DP doesn't equal a "D," and a CP doesn't equal an "C"). Instead, it measures where that student is in terms of mastering a learning standard. Students are not expected to understand every subject when they begin the year - after all, that's why they come to school! The final outcome, near the end of the year, is what matters. -
Does standards-based grading accurately reflect my child¡¯s work/achievement?
Yes. Traditional grading computes how well a student did on a specific assignment (a math test, a paper, a lab). Standards-based instruction begins by designing assignments based on standards. Thus, the student can be graded in a way that reflects their progress toward meeting that standard -- not just on how well they did on a specific test.
It’s also important to remember that any report card is only one communication tool regarding your child’s progress. Others include parent/teacher conferences, our Parent Portal, ongoing interaction with teachers, and more. Ideally, nothing on your child’s report card should be a surprise
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Are other districts using this system?
Yes. Many districts throughout Oregon use standards-based grading, and there are many other districts throughout the country following suit.
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Why aren¡¯t all districts already using standards-based grading?
It can take time to make the transition, and other districts make their own decisions, but we believe that standards-based grading provides parents with the best information about what their child is learning - and how they are learning it.
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What should I do if I feel the grading system isn¡¯t accurately reflecting my child¡¯s progress?
Remember that any report card is only one communication tool regarding your child’s progress. If you have concerns, your first stop should always be your child’s teacher. If you feel you need additional support, the school administrators are there for you.
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What is next?
Stay tuned for upcoming engagement sessions and information via this website.