Fostering Student Academic Growth Through the Standards Based Grading Model

This research discusses the implementation of standards based grading within a secondary social studies classroom and how this system effectively promotes student learning and academic growth. I discuss the experiences and quantitative data derived from previously implemented standards based grading systems by educational professionals as well as provide a comprehensive look at my own implementation experience with the system. Using data from my classroom, I explain how I analyzed my data sources, including field notes, student records, and student work to interpret how my students responded to the standards based grading model used in my classroom as well as to analyze student performance throughout the semester. This includes types of assessments implemented, grading scales and standards, and student reactions. The research from this study displays that standards based grading can foster higher levels of student performance through implementation of classroom learning objectives and a focus on growth rather than grade.