Ep82 – A Small Change That Helps Me Do SBG Efficiently

Handouts are available below.

Big Idea

Compared to traditional grading, Standards Based Grading (SBG) is a better way of assessing student learning. But, doing SBG takes more time – especially at the beginning. Recently, a colleague showed me how they set up their marking rubric, and one small change has helped me determine a student’s level of proficiency more efficiently while also giving students a bit more information on where they stand.

 

Episode Notes

To get started using Standards Based Grading on science tests:

  1. Restructure your tests to have sections that corresponded to a specific standard.
    • For example, my tests generally have 2 (no more than 3) sections that correspond to specific standards (like “Questioning and Predicting” or “Applying” or “Processing and Analyzing”).
  2. Provide a proficiency scale at the top of page/test.
    • After marking each section, go back to indicate what level of proficiency the student achieved for given section.

Regarding the Proficiency scale:

  1. Check off the level of proficiency instead of highlighting or circling
    • Giving a check mark is faster.
    • If space is provided, a check mark can show progression within a level of proficiency. This way, a student can see how far they are from the next level of proficiency.

 

Resources

Handout(s): Ep82 Handouts – A Small Change that Helps Me Do SBG Efficiently

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Posted on January 16, 2024 in Videos

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About the Author

I've been happily teaching high school science for over 13 years. This website serves as a way for me to reflect on my practice, give back to the science educators' community, help other science teachers who may need a place to start, and build a strong community of science learners and educators.
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