Overview

As Standards-Based Grading frameworks evolve, schools may occasionally need to remove Standard Grades that are no longer used. This may occur when grading structures are simplified, proficiency levels are renamed, duplicate grades are discovered, or new assessment frameworks replace existing ones.

openSIS allows administrators to delete Standard Grades that are no longer required.

Before deleting a Standard Grade, administrators should carefully review whether it is being used within Standard Grade Scales, assessments, report cards, or student mastery tracking.

Maintaining a clean grading structure helps ensure consistent standards-based assessment throughout the institution.

When Should a Standard Grade Be Deleted?

Schools may choose to delete a Standard Grade when:

• A grade was created by mistake.
• Duplicate proficiency levels exist.
• Assessment policies have changed.
• A new grading framework has been adopted.
• Existing grades have been consolidated.
• Test data was created during setup or training.

Removing unused grades helps simplify grading and reporting processes.

Before Deleting a Standard Grade

Before removing a Standard Grade, review the following.

Is the Grade Currently Being Used?

Determine whether the Standard Grade is associated with:

• Standard Grade Scales
• Standards-Based Assessments
• Report Cards
• Student Mastery Tracking
• Academic Reports

If the grade is actively being used, editing it may be preferable to deleting it.

Is There a Replacement Grade?

If the proficiency level is being retired, confirm that a replacement grade exists if needed.

Example:

Before:

Developing

After:

Approaching Proficiency

In this scenario, the original grade may no longer be necessary.

Is the Grade a Duplicate?

Schools occasionally create similar proficiency levels.

Example:

Advanced
Exemplary

If both grades represent nearly identical mastery levels, administrators may choose to consolidate them.

How to Delete a Standard Grade

Step 1: Navigate to Standard Grades

Go to:

Settings → Grades → Standards Based Grades → Standard Grades

The page displays all configured Standard Grades.

Step 2: Locate the Standard Grade

Find the grade you want to remove.

Examples:

• Advanced
• Proficient
• Developing
• Beginning

Review the grade carefully before proceeding.

Step 3: Click Delete

Select the Delete icon next to the Standard Grade.

A confirmation prompt may appear.

Step 4: Review the Warning

Read the confirmation message carefully.

Verify that:

• The grade is no longer needed.
• It is not actively used in assessments.
• Student mastery reporting will not be affected.
• Associated grading structures have been reviewed.

Step 5: Confirm Deletion

Click Confirm.

The Standard Grade is removed from the grading framework.

Example Cleanup Scenario

A school initially creates the following grades:

After reviewing the grading framework, administrators determine that:

Emerging

duplicates the purpose of:

Beginning

The duplicate grade can be removed to simplify assessment and reporting.

Alternatives to Deletion

In many situations, deleting a Standard Grade may not be necessary.

Edit the Grade

If the issue involves wording or mastery descriptions, editing may be sufficient.

Examples:

• Updating the title.
• Revising the description.
• Modifying the Breakoff Value.

Consolidate Grades

Schools may merge multiple proficiency levels into a simpler framework.

Example:

Before:

Exemplary
Advanced
Proficient
Developing
Beginning

After:

Advanced
Proficient
Developing
Beginning

Review Grading Policies

Ensure all changes align with institutional assessment practices.

Best Practices

Review Dependencies First

Verify whether the grade is used by assessments, reports, or grade scales.

Remove Duplicate Grades

Eliminate overlapping proficiency levels where appropriate.

Maintain Clear Mastery Levels

Each remaining grade should represent a distinct performance level.

Document Major Changes

Keep records of grading framework updates.

Communicate Changes

Inform teachers and academic staff when grading structures change.

Common Questions

Can I delete a Standard Grade after it has been created?

Yes. Administrators can remove Standard Grades that are no longer needed.

Should I edit or delete a Standard Grade?

If the grade remains relevant but requires updates, editing is usually recommended. If it is obsolete or duplicated, deletion may be appropriate.

Can I recreate a deleted Standard Grade later?

Yes. A new Standard Grade can be created at any time.

Will deleting a Standard Grade affect future assessments?

The deleted grade will no longer be available for future standards-based grading activities.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Deleting grades that are actively used.
• Removing grades without reviewing related grade scales.
• Creating duplicate replacement grades.
• Changing grading frameworks without staff communication.
• Failing to document major assessment changes.

Proper management of Standard Grades helps maintain consistency, fairness, and clarity within the Standards-Based Grading system.