How to Create a Standard Grade Scale in openSIS

How to Create a Standard Grade Scale in openSIS

Overview

A Standard Grade Scale is a framework that groups Standard Grades together and defines how student mastery will be evaluated within a Standards-Based Grading system.

By creating a Standard Grade Scale, schools can establish consistent proficiency levels that teachers use when assessing student performance against learning standards and competencies.

Standard Grade Scales help ensure that mastery is measured consistently across classrooms, courses, departments, and grade levels.

Why Create a Standard Grade Scale?

Standard Grade Scales help schools:

  • Standardize standards-based assessment.
  • Create consistent mastery expectations.
  • Improve student progress tracking.
  • Support standards-based report cards.
  • Align grading practices across departments.
  • Provide meaningful feedback to students and families.

A well-designed scale creates a common language for evaluating student learning.

Before You Begin

Before creating a Standard Grade Scale, ensure that:

  • Standard Grades have already been created.
  • Assessment policies have been defined.
  • Proficiency levels are clearly understood.
  • Academic leadership has approved the grading framework.

Schools typically create Standard Grades first and then organize them into a Standard Grade Scale.

How to Create a Standard Grade Scale

Step 1: Navigate to Standard Grade Scale

Go to:

Info
Settings → Grades → Standards Based Grades → Standard Grade Scale

The Standard Grade Scale page displays all existing scales.

Step 2: Click Add

Select the Add button.

A new Standard Grade Scale form will open.

Step 3: Enter the Scale Title

In the Title field, enter a descriptive name for the scale.

Examples:

Elementary Standards Scale
Middle School Mastery Scale
Competency-Based Scale
Academic Proficiency Scale

Choose a title that clearly identifies the purpose of the scale.

Step 4: Add a Description (If Applicable)

Provide a description explaining how the scale will be used.

Example:

This scale is used to evaluate student mastery of learning standards in Grades K–5.

Descriptions can help administrators and teachers distinguish between multiple scales.

Step 5: Save the Scale

Click Save.

The Standard Grade Scale is created and becomes available for configuration.

At this stage, the scale acts as a container that will later hold Standard Grades.

Example Standard Grade Scale

Scale Name

Elementary Standards Scale

Associated Grades

Standard Grade
Advanced
Proficient
Developing
Beginning

Together, these grades form the complete assessment framework used for standards-based evaluation.

Multiple Scale Examples

Some schools create different scales for different programs.

Elementary School

Grade
Advanced
Proficient
Developing
Beginning

Competency-Based Program

Grade
Mastered
Meets Standard
Approaching Standard
Below Standard

Specialized Academic Program

Grade
Exemplary
Accomplished
Proficient
Developing
Beginning

openSIS supports multiple Standard Grade Scales to accommodate varying educational needs.

Benefits of Standard Grade Scales

Consistent Assessment

Teachers evaluate student mastery using a common framework.

Better Reporting

Standards-based reports become easier to interpret.

Improved Student Feedback

Students receive clear information about their progress.

Curriculum Alignment

Assessment remains aligned with learning objectives.

Flexible Implementation

Different scales can support different educational programs.

Best Practices

Use Meaningful Scale Names

Choose titles that clearly identify the intended use.

Keep Scales Easy to Understand

Students, parents, and staff should easily interpret proficiency levels.

Align with School Policies

Ensure scales support institutional grading standards.

Limit Unnecessary Complexity

Avoid creating excessive numbers of scales unless required.

Review Periodically

Update scales as educational needs evolve.

Common Questions

Can a school create multiple Standard Grade Scales?

Yes. Schools can create multiple scales for different grade levels, programs, or assessment models.

Can Standard Grade Scales share the same Standard Grades?

Depending on school requirements, similar proficiency levels may be used across multiple scales.

Do Standard Grade Scales contain grades?

Yes. Standard Grades are associated with a Standard Grade Scale to create a complete assessment framework.

Can a Standard Grade Scale be edited later?

Yes. Standard Grade Scales can be updated as assessment practices evolve.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Creating scales before defining Standard Grades.
  • Using unclear scale names.
  • Creating duplicate scales.
  • Building overly complex grading structures.
  • Failing to communicate scale usage to educators.

A well-designed Standard Grade Scale provides the foundation for effective Standards-Based Grading and student mastery tracking.

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