INTRODUCTION TO STANDARDS-BASED PRACTICES
The Southwestern Union K-12 Educational System is beginning the process of transitioning to standards-based practices. As noted below, this transition will be phased in over the next four years, beginning in in the 2020-21 school year.
Purpose: Standards-based refers to integrated systems of instruction, assessment, grading, and reporting that are based on students demonstrating understanding or proficiency of the knowledge and skills they are expected to learn as they progress through their education. This concept aligns with the EDUCATION by Design Framework that emphasizes coherence among the key components of teaching and learning, leading to a shared vision.
Plan: Four-year Standards-based Implementation Plan
Year One: Curriculum Development, Communication, and Professional Development
Year Two: Further Capacity Building through Professional Development
Year Three: Implementation
Year Four: Continuation and Support
Practice: Standards-based Curriculum Processes
Prioritize Standards
Unpack Standards to Create Learning Targets
Organize Targets into Proficiency Scales (P-Scales)
Group Standards into Units (Year-long Context)
Plan Instruction
Plan for Assessment
Determine Grading, Feedback, and Reporting Practices
Communicate with Stakeholders
Apply to Exceptional Learners
Product: Standards-based practices will provide a set of outcomes/metrics that will enable the measurement of the vision components of the EDUCATION by Design Framework. These outcomes include the areas of curriculum, instruction, assessment, and learning environment.
Resources: The following books, white papers, and webinars will provide an overview of standards-based practices.
Books
A Teacher’s Guide to Standards-based Learning by T. Heflebower, J. K. Hoegh, P. B. Warrick, & J. Flygare
A School Leader’s Guide to Standards-based Grading by M. Hoback, M. McInteer, & Bev Clemens
The Essentials for Standards-driven Classrooms by C.Moore, M. D. Toth, & R. J. Marzano
A Handbook for Developing and Using Proficiency Scales in the Classroom by J. K. Hoegh
The New Art and Science of Teaching by R. J. Marzano
The New Art and Science of Classroom Assessment by R. J. Marzano, J. S. Norford, & M. Ruyle
Related Books
Understanding by Design Meets Neuroscience by J. McTighe & J. Willis
Get Set, Go! Creating Successful Grading and Reporting Systems by T. Guskey
Leading Modern Learning: A Blueprint for Vision-driven Schools by J. McTighe & G. Curtis
White Papers
Comprehensive and Balanced Assessment Systems
Grading in a Comprehensive and Balanced Assessment System
Webinars
A Teacher’s Guide to Standards-based Learning
The Importance of Proficiency Scales in a Standards-based Classroom
Creating Valid and Reliable Classroom Assessments
Standards-based Grading for Teachers and School Leaders
Comprehensive and Balanced Assessment Systems
