Handouts are available below.

Big Idea

Are you concerned that students will just automatically achieve proficient when using Standards-Based Grading? Recently, one teacher asked if I used a bell curve when I’m using SBG so that not every student is proficient. No, I don’t use bell curves; instead, I ensure SBG is rigorous. 

Episode Notes

Here are a couple of big ideas on how to ensure SBG is rigorous and avoid using bell curves (honestly, why are teachers still using them?):

1. If a student demonstrates a certain level of achievement then that student should get the grade or proficiency corresponding to that level.
2. If we, as educators, are clear as to what an emerging, developing, proficient, or extending is on our rubrics, then our students know what they need to demonstrate to achieve a certain level of proficiency.
3. If you’re using standards-based grading, take time to set your expectations clearly and communicate them to your students. Check out the handout below to see how I set up my rubric on writing hypotheses.

Resources

Handout(s): Ep96 Handouts – Do We Use Bell Curves in Standards-Based Grading?

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