Standards-Based Instruction: 2018-2019

Summary

Kelly Jansen, Director of Teaching and Learning Services for South Washington County Schools, introduces the district’s move toward standards-based instruction (SBI) and reporting. She explains that this system focuses on clear learning expectations from state standards, grading students on a scale from 1 to 4, reflecting their progress from needing significant support to mastery. Progress reports will cover various subjects, including PE, art, and core academics. Parents will see these reports during conferences and at year-end. The goal is to foster personalized learning, open communication, and a growth mindset in student education.

Takeaways

• 🎓 Standards-based instruction clarifies expectations for students based on state standards.
• 📝 Teachers use a 1 to 4 grading scale, with 1 indicating the need for more support and 4 indicating mastery.
• 📊 A score of 1 shows that a student is just beginning to learn the standard and needs significant support.
• 📈 As students progress, they need less help from teachers, eventually reaching mastery (score of 3 or 4).
• 💡 This system promotes a growth mindset, emphasizing student improvement over time rather than average scores.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Parents are encouraged to engage in conversations about their child's progress with teachers and school staff.
• 🎨 Progress reports include assessments in areas like PE, art, music, and core subjects like English, math, science, and social studies.
• ⏳ More specific 'I Can' statements will be added gradually to subject areas as the system evolves.
• 📅 Progress reports will be shared during fall and winter conferences, with the final report mailed at the end of the year.
• ❓ Parents are encouraged to reach out to teachers, principals, or district staff with any questions about standards-based reporting.

Q & A

What is the main goal of standards-based instruction (SBI)?

The main goal of standards-based instruction is to clarify what students are expected to know and be able to do, based on the standards set by the state. It ensures that students meet specific learning goals.

How does standards-based grading differ from traditional grading?

Standards-based grading uses a scale of 1 to 3 or 4, rather than giving an average score. It focuses on a student's progress in learning a standard, rather than an overall grade based on an average of scores.

What does a grade of 1 represent in standards-based grading?

A grade of 1 indicates that the student is just beginning to learn the standard and may need a lot of support, reteaching, or guidance.

How does a student progress from a grade of 1 to higher levels in standards-based instruction?

As the student learns and requires less help from the teacher, they progress from needing lots of support (grade 1) to needing only occasional prompts (grade 2) and eventually reaching mastery (grade 3).

What are some subjects that will be included in the standards-based progress report?

Subjects like PE, art, music, band, orchestra, English Language Arts (reading and writing), science, social studies, and math will be included. However, the specifics in some subjects like science and social studies will be added over time.

When will parents receive the progress reports?

Parents will first see the progress report during fall conferences, then again during winter conferences. A final report will be mailed home at the end of the school year.

What is the purpose of the progress report for parents and teachers?

The progress report provides a clear understanding of what a student can or cannot do, fostering communication between teachers, parents, and students about the child’s progress.

What should parents do if they have questions about standards-based reporting?

Parents are encouraged to reach out to their child's teacher for clarification. Principals and the district office are also available to support and guide parents through any questions.

What is meant by the 'I can' statements in the progress reports?

'I can' statements are generic descriptions of what students should be able to do in various subjects. These will become more specific over time as the standards-based instruction system is implemented fully across all subjects.

How does standards-based instruction support a growth mindset?

Standards-based instruction emphasizes growth by showing where a student is starting and highlighting that they have room to improve, rather than simply giving an average score. It focuses on a student's learning journey.