McFarland High School’s Mission Statement begins with the belief that “all students are intelligent, creative, and capable of growing and learning.” If we are to live our mission, then it makes sense that we support a grading system that emphasizes student learning, achievement, and growth.
Standards based grading begins with the premise that grades are clear and accurate indicators of what students know and are able to do. These indicators are measured against accepted and visible learning outcomes that are consistent across courses and designed to prepare students for college and the workforce. Under this system the focus is on learning as opposed to accumulating points. Grades, then, are used to document student progress, provide feedback to students, and allow teachers to make instructional decisions to best meet the needs of their students. This process allows grades to become more about what students know and can do at the end of learning’s journey and less about the path they took to get there.
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