SBG stands for standards-based grading. It's a method of assessing student learning that focuses on how well students understand and can apply specific learning standards.
Understanding Standards-Based Grading (SBG)
Instead of traditional letter or numerical grades, SBG evaluates students based on their mastery of defined learning objectives. This means students are assessed on what they know and can do related to those specific standards.
Key Differences from Traditional Grading
| Feature | Traditional Grading | Standards-Based Grading (SBG) |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | Overall course performance | Mastery of specific standards |
| Assessment | Often includes participation, homework, etc. | Focuses directly on student's understanding of standards |
| Feedback | Summary grade (A, B, C) | Detailed feedback on each standard |
| Goal | Ranking & sorting students | Demonstrating learning and growth |
How SBG Works
Here's a breakdown of how SBG typically functions:
- Clear Learning Standards: Teachers establish clear and specific learning goals for the course.
- Assessment: Students are evaluated through various tasks (tests, projects, etc.) to measure their understanding of each standard.
- Feedback: Instead of an overall grade, students receive feedback on their performance on each specific learning standard.
- Reassessment Opportunities: Students often have the opportunity to revisit and improve their mastery of standards they initially struggled with.
Benefits of SBG
- Clarity for Students: Students know exactly what is expected of them and what they need to improve on.
- Focused Feedback: Students receive specific feedback related to learning goals.
- Promotes Growth Mindset: SBG encourages students to see learning as a process of growth and improvement rather than just a final score.
- Identifies Areas for Support: Teachers can quickly see which standards students are struggling with and provide targeted support.
- More Transparent and Accurate: SBG is considered more transparent and accurate in reflecting actual student learning than traditional grading.
The core concept is that SBG focuses on what students know and can do in relation to defined learning standards, as highlighted by the reference: "However, standards-based grading (SBG) is a different way of assessing student learning and student progress. SBG is a type of assessment that focuses on what students know and can do in relation to specific learning standards rather than a letter or numerical grade." (14-Jan-2023)
