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Standards-Based Grading (K-5)

Standards-Based Grading Information

Huachuca City School uses Standards-Based Grading (SBG) in Grades K–5 to ensure grades reflect students' learning and mastery. SBG provides a consistent and accurate way to measure student achievement against Arizona’s academic standards.

Arizona State Standards

Arizona’s academic standards outline what students should know and be able to do at each grade level. Our instruction and assessments are aligned with these standards to ensure students meet grade-level expectations.

Arizona Department of Education – Academic Standards

SBG in the Classroom

Clear Learning Objectives

  • Teachers in SBG classrooms will clearly communicate learning objectives to students at the start of instruction.

Aligned Assessments

  • Assessments—including Common Assessments—are designed to measure student mastery of specific learning objectives.

Regular Feedback

  • Teachers provide regular, specific feedback to students on their progress toward mastery.

Opportunities for Reassessment

  • Students will have opportunities to demonstrate mastery through reassessments when appropriate.

Proficiency Scales: Measuring Mastery

Instead of averaging scores over time, students are assessed based on their current level of proficiency:

4 – Exceeds: Student independently applies knowledge beyond grade-level expectations 3 – Meets: Student demonstrates mastery of the standard independently 2 – Approaching: Student is progressing but still requires teacher support 1 – Needs Intervention: Student requires significant support to develop an understanding

A score of "3" indicates that a student has met expectations for their grade level and is considered proficient.

Traditional vs. Standards-Based Grading

Traditional Grading:

  • Combines test scores, participation, homework, and behavior into a single grade
  • Averages scores over time, even if a student improves
  • Includes extra credit and non-academic factors
  • Does not clearly show which skills a student has mastered

Standards-Based Grading (SBG):

  • Measures only academic proficiency in specific standards Focuses on the most recent and consistent evidence of learning
  • Reports behavior, work habits, and responsibility separately
  • Provides clear feedback on what students know and where they need support
  • Using SBG, families receive a clear and accurate picture of student achievement while ensuring grades reflect actual learning.

Standards-Based Grading and Reporting

Student academic achievement will be reported using a standards-based grading scale focused on the mastery of essential learning standards. Teachers will assess student performance on identified standards and assign a proficiency level based on demonstrated understanding and application of the skill or content.

In addition to academic achievement, student progress will be reported in the following 4 areas to provide a comprehensive picture of student growth and development:

  1. Attitudes and Practices Affecting Achievement
    1. Listens Attentively
    2. Follows Directions
    3. Works Independently
    4. Completes Assignments
    5. Demonstrates Effort
  2. Social Development
    1. Accepts Responsibility
    2. Respects Authority
    3. Respects the Rights of Others
    4. Takes Care of Own Property
    5. Is Careful with the Property of Others
    6. Conduct
  3. Attendance
    1. Days Present
    2. Absent
    3. Tardy
  4. Achievement in Skills and Subject Matter
    1. Academic achievement will be reported using a standards-based proficiency scale. Students will receive scores based on their demonstrated level of mastery of grade-level standards.

Standards-Based Proficiency Scale

4 – Exceeds Standard: Demonstrates advanced understanding and application of the standard.

3 – Meets Standard: Consistently demonstrates proficiency with the standard.

2 – Approaching Standard: Demonstrates partial proficiency and is progressing toward meeting the standard.

1 – Beginning Standard: Demonstrates limited understanding and requires significant support.

This reporting system separates academic achievement from work habits, behavior, and attendance, providing families with a clearer understanding of student strengths, areas for growth, and overall progress.

Common Assessments & Data-Driven Instruction

HCS teachers use Common Assessments aligned with Arizona standards to measure student mastery. These assessments provide consistent and reliable data to guide instruction and ensure all students receive the support they need.

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