How to Add Grades to a Standard Grade Scale in openSIS
Overview
After creating a Standard Grade Scale, the next step is to associate Standard Grades with the scale. Standard Grades define the proficiency levels used to evaluate student mastery, while the Standard Grade Scale serves as the framework that organizes those grades.
By adding Standard Grades to a scale, schools can create a complete standards-based grading structure that teachers use to assess student performance against learning standards and competencies.
Why Add Grades to a Standard Grade Scale?
A Standard Grade Scale is not complete until Standard Grades are assigned to it.
Adding grades allows schools to:
- Define mastery levels.
- Create consistent assessment criteria.
- Support standards-based report cards.
- Improve student progress tracking.
- Standardize grading across classrooms.
- Provide meaningful performance feedback.
Without associated grades, a Standard Grade Scale cannot effectively measure student mastery.
Before You Begin
Before adding grades to a scale, ensure that:
- A Standard Grade Scale already exists.
- Standard Grades have been created.
- Proficiency levels have been reviewed and approved.
- The grading framework aligns with institutional policies.
How to Add Grades to a Standard Grade Scale
Step 1: Navigate to Standard Grade Scale
Go to:
The page displays all configured Standard Grade Scales.
Step 2: Select the Standard Grade Scale
Locate the scale you want to configure.
Examples:
- Elementary Standards Scale
- Competency-Based Scale
- Academic Mastery Scale
Open the desired scale.
Step 3: Add Standard Grades
Select the option to associate Standard Grades with the scale.
Choose the grades that should be included.
Examples:
Advanced
Proficient
Developing
Beginning
Each selected grade becomes part of the grading framework.
Step 4: Arrange Grade Order
Ensure grades are displayed in the appropriate proficiency sequence.
Example:
| Order | Grade |
|---|---|
| 1 | Advanced |
| 2 | Proficient |
| 3 | Developing |
| 4 | Beginning |
Maintaining the correct order improves reporting and grade interpretation.
Step 5: Review the Scale Structure
Verify that:
- All required grades have been added.
- No duplicate grades exist.
- The order reflects increasing or decreasing mastery levels.
- The grading framework matches school policy.
Step 6: Save
Click Save.
The Standard Grade Scale is updated and becomes available for standards-based assessment activities.
Example Standard Grade Scale
Scale Name
Elementary Standards Scale
Associated Grades
| Grade | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Advanced | Exceeds Expectations |
| Proficient | Meets Expectations |
| Developing | Approaching Expectations |
| Beginning | Needs Additional Support |
Teachers can now use this scale when assessing student mastery of standards.
Example Competency-Based Scale
Scale Name
Competency Mastery Scale
Associated Grades
| Grade | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Mastered | Demonstrates Full Mastery |
| Meets Standard | Meets Expectations |
| Approaching Standard | Developing Mastery |
| Below Standard | Requires Additional Support |
Different scales can support different educational programs.
Benefits of Using Standard Grade Scales
Consistent Evaluation
Teachers use the same proficiency framework across courses and standards.
Improved Reporting
Parents and students can better understand assessment results.
Better Mastery Tracking
Student growth can be monitored over time.
Curriculum Alignment
Assessment remains aligned with learning objectives.
Simplified Assessment Management
Schools can manage proficiency levels from a centralized location.
Best Practices
Use Clearly Defined Grades
Each proficiency level should have a documented meaning.
Maintain Logical Ordering
Grades should progress from highest to lowest mastery or vice versa.
Avoid Duplicate Grades
Each grade should represent a distinct performance level.
Align with School Policies
The scale should support institutional assessment practices.
Review Annually
Regularly evaluate grading structures to ensure they remain effective.
Common Questions
Can a Standard Grade belong to multiple scales?
Depending on school requirements, the same Standard Grade may be used in multiple grading scales.
How many grades should a Standard Grade Scale contain?
This depends on institutional grading policies and assessment philosophy.
Can grades be reordered later?
Yes. Administrators can update the order of grades as needed.
Can I add grades after creating the scale?
Yes. Standard Grade Scales can be updated and expanded whenever necessary.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Adding grades without a clear proficiency structure.
- Using overlapping mastery levels.
- Creating inconsistent grade ordering.
- Failing to define grade meanings.
- Building overly complex grading frameworks.
A well-structured Standard Grade Scale helps ensure fair, consistent, and meaningful standards-based assessment.
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