How to Create a Standard Grade in openSIS
Overview
In Standards-Based Grading, students are assessed against specific learning objectives. Standard Grades help communicate how well a student has mastered those objectives by assigning clearly defined proficiency levels.
openSIS allows administrators to create Standard Grades that align with the school's assessment framework and grading philosophy.
Why Create Standard Grades?
Standard Grades help schools:
- Measure student mastery of standards.
- Support competency-based learning.
- Provide meaningful assessment data.
- Improve communication with students and families.
- Track growth over time.
- Create consistent grading expectations across classrooms.
Rather than simply assigning a letter grade, teachers can identify a student's level of proficiency for a particular skill or standard.
Before You Begin
Before creating Standard Grades, determine:
- The proficiency levels your school will use.
- The order in which grades should appear.
- The mastery framework used by your institution.
- Whether grades will be associated with a Standard Grade Scale.
Many schools establish grading structures before implementing standards-based assessments.
Common Standard Grade Examples
Schools frequently use grades such as:
| Standard Grade | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Advanced | Exceeds Expectations |
| Proficient | Meets Expectations |
| Developing | Approaching Expectations |
| Beginning | Needs Additional Support |
Other institutions may use:
| Standard Grade | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Exemplary | Outstanding Performance |
| Accomplished | Strong Mastery |
| Satisfactory | Meets Requirements |
| Emerging | Developing Skills |
Schools can customize grades based on their assessment philosophy.
How to Create a Standard Grade
Step 1: Navigate to Standard Grades
Go to:
The Standard Grades page displays all currently configured proficiency levels.
Step 2: Click Add
Select the Add button.
A new Standard Grade form will open.
Step 3: Enter the Grade Title
In the Title field, enter the name of the proficiency level.
Examples:
Advanced
Proficient
Developing
Beginning
Choose terminology that is meaningful and easy for educators, students, and families to understand.
Step 4: Define the Grade Description
Provide a description explaining what the grade represents.
Example:
Advanced
The student consistently exceeds grade-level expectations and demonstrates mastery beyond the required standard.
Clear descriptions help ensure consistent evaluation across classrooms.
Step 5: Configure the Grade Order
Determine where the grade should appear within the proficiency hierarchy.
Example:
| Grade | Order |
|---|---|
| Advanced | 1 |
| Proficient | 2 |
| Developing | 3 |
| Beginning | 4 |
A consistent order supports reporting and standards-based assessment.
Step 6: Save
Click Save.
The Standard Grade becomes available for use within Standards-Based Grading and assessment activities.
Example Standards-Based Evaluation
A teacher assesses the following standard:
Students can analyze informational text and identify supporting evidence.
Student Results:
| Student | Standard Grade |
|---|---|
| Emma | Advanced |
| Michael | Proficient |
| Sarah | Developing |
The Standard Grade communicates mastery of the learning objective rather than overall course performance.
Benefits of Standard Grades
Consistent Assessment
Teachers use common proficiency levels across standards.
Improved Student Feedback
Students receive more meaningful information about their learning.
Better Progress Monitoring
Schools can track mastery and growth over time.
Support for Standards-Based Learning
Assessment focuses on skills and competencies rather than averages alone.
Enhanced Reporting
Parents gain greater visibility into student strengths and growth areas.
Best Practices
Use Clear Grade Names
Avoid confusing or ambiguous terminology.
Define Performance Expectations
Each grade should have a clear description.
Maintain Consistency
Apply the same grading framework across subjects whenever possible.
Train Educators
Ensure teachers understand how proficiency levels should be applied.
Review Periodically
Update grading structures when educational needs evolve.
Common Questions
Can schools create custom Standard Grades?
Yes. Schools can create proficiency levels that align with their own assessment framework.
Do Standard Grades replace traditional grades?
Not necessarily. Many schools use both standards-based and traditional grading systems.
How many Standard Grades should a school create?
This depends on institutional preferences and assessment policies.
Can Standard Grades be edited later?
Yes. Existing grades can be updated whenever needed.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Creating too many proficiency levels.
- Using unclear grade names.
- Failing to define mastery expectations.
- Applying grades inconsistently.
- Creating overlapping performance levels.
Well-defined Standard Grades help create a reliable and meaningful standards-based assessment system.
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