Lights, Camera, Action RESEARCH Abstract!

How will using Standards-Based Grading impact student achievement and engagement?

This year I used Standards-Based Grading in all of my math classes.  I compared two methods of SBG and how they impacted student achievement and engagement.  One method was more rigorous and I used it in my Honors Trigonometry classes.  The other was less strict in terms of grading and I used it in my Probability and Statistics class.

I collected data through parent and student surveys, having a co-worker observe my class several times, and by comparing grades and test scores throughout the term.

Some of the challenges I encountered along the way included communication with students and parents about the new grading system.  While I sent home emails, many parents do not check or read their emails.  Many simply do not have an updated email address in the system.  Another challenge I faced was finding time for students to complete retakes within the specified window.

Overall, I hope my data will show that students did really well.  I am still in the process of collecting it, but so far parent surveys seem very promising and positive.  In general, parents feel that SBG allows students to organize and study better and is forcing students to actually learn instead of focusing on just passing a test.

Checking in with SBG...

I have been in this SBG thing for 2 weeks and I am sold.  I love it.  Right now I am using 2 different methods for SBG-one where it is a straight up yes/no, did you master this learning target system, and the other that assigns a percent to the target and lets students decide to take a retake if they want.  While I am not sold on this second method, I really like the hard core master it or fail method.

In my Honors Trig class, all but 3 students completed every homework assignment - Even though it did not count for a grade.  Part of their motivation came from the requirement of completing homework in order to be eligible t retake learning targets.

I wanted to post my website for anyone who might be interested in checking out what I am doing in my classes.  

www.anoka.k12.mn.us/dorsing 

I plan to post again with an update after I test in my Statisics class takes their first test.  Maybe I won't love it quite as much, but I highly doubt it!