Elementary

Standards-based grading is a philosophy that measures learning on clearly defined quarterly learning targets in order to communicate the current level of mastery for a given content or topic.  Standards-based grading separates academic achievement from behaviors and focuses on learning progress by emphasizing the final result of the learning journey rather than the average performance over time.

These materials and the activity described herein are not sponsored or endorsed by the School Board of Stafford County or School Division. 

Stafford Schools believes the following: 

• Standards-Based Grading (SBG) communicates learning in relation to the course outcomes rather than by activity. SBG reflects students’ current level of learning or accomplishment, not an average performance over a period of time.

• SBG helps teachers inform the student, teacher, and the family of the learning continuum. 

• SBG promotes a growth mindset and the importance of quality work through the learning continuum towards mastery with an emphasis on student reflection.

• SBG unites Stafford Schools’ teachers in providing Tier 1 instruction accessible to all and aligned with the Framework for Student Learning supported by multi-tiered systems of support. 

The goal of classroom instruction is that all students meet expectations of the standards, which is represented by a (3) on an assignment, rubric, or grade report. The Stafford Schools’ elementary Academic Code shown below connects the symbols used on grade reports and assignments and their meaning.

View the Text Only Version of the Continuum of Learning

Grades are determined by comparing a student’s current level of understanding to a success criterion aligned to a quarterly target. Quarterly targets may be a subset of the entire Standard of Learning (end of year objective) or the entire Standard of Learning. Success criteria provide more specific information about progress towards the target, which helps students and families know exactly where they are in relation to meeting a standard. A student who meets all of the given success criteria will receive a three (3), demonstrating mastery of the target.

• Kindergarten
• Grade 1
• Grade 2
• Grade 3
• Grade 4
• Grade 5