How to Delete a Standard Grade Scale in openSIS

How to Delete a Standard Grade Scale in openSIS

Overview

Over time, schools may revise their Standards-Based Grading framework to reflect curriculum updates, policy changes, accreditation requirements, or instructional improvements. As part of this process, some Standard Grade Scales may become obsolete, duplicated, or no longer needed.

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

Before deleting a scale, administrators should carefully review whether it is being used by standards-based assessments, report cards, grading workflows, or student mastery tracking.

Proper management of Standard Grade Scales helps maintain an organized and consistent assessment environment.

When Should a Standard Grade Scale Be Deleted?

Schools may choose to delete a Standard Grade Scale when:

  • A scale was created by mistake.
  • Duplicate grading scales exist.
  • Assessment frameworks have been consolidated.
  • A newer grading model has replaced an older one.
  • Test or training data was created during setup.
  • The scale is no longer used by any academic program.

Removing unused scales helps reduce confusion and simplify grading management.

Before Deleting a Standard Grade Scale

Before proceeding, review the following.

Is the Scale Currently Being Used?

Determine whether the scale is associated with:

  • Standards-Based Assessments
  • Academic Standards
  • Report Cards
  • Student Mastery Records
  • Courses
  • Academic Reports

If the scale is actively being used, editing it may be more appropriate than deleting it.

Is There a Replacement Scale?

If the grading framework is being updated, verify that a replacement scale has already been created.

Example:

Before:

Elementary Standards Scale

After:

Elementary Mastery Scale

In this scenario, the older scale may no longer be required.

Is the Scale a Duplicate?

Schools occasionally create duplicate grading structures during setup.

Example:

K-5 Standards Scale
Elementary Standards Scale

If both scales serve the same purpose, one may be removed.

How to Delete a Standard Grade Scale

Step 1: Navigate to Standard Grade Scale

Go to:

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

The page displays all configured Standard Grade Scales.

Step 2: Locate the Scale

Find the Standard Grade Scale you want to remove.

Examples:

  • Elementary Standards Scale
  • Academic Mastery Scale
  • Competency-Based Scale

Review the scale carefully before proceeding.

Step 3: Click Delete

Select the Delete icon next to the Standard Grade Scale.

A confirmation prompt may appear.

Step 4: Review the Warning

Read the confirmation message carefully.

Verify that:

  • The scale is no longer needed.
  • It is not actively used in assessments.
  • Student mastery reporting will not be affected.
  • Associated standards and grades have been reviewed.

Step 5: Confirm Deletion

Click Confirm.

The Standard Grade Scale is removed from the system.

Example Cleanup Scenario

A school originally creates the following scales:

Scale Name
Elementary Standards Scale
Elementary Mastery Scale
K-5 Standards Scale

After reviewing grading policies, administrators determine that:

Elementary Standards Scale

and

K-5 Standards Scale

serve the same purpose.

One of the scales can be removed to simplify standards-based grading management.

Alternatives to Deletion

In many cases, deleting a scale may not be necessary.

Edit the Scale

If the scale requires only minor updates, editing may be the better option.

Examples:

  • Updating the title.
  • Revising the description.
  • Adding or removing grades.

Consolidate Grading Frameworks

Schools may choose to merge multiple scales into a single assessment structure.

Archive Internal Documentation

Maintain records of grading framework changes for future reference and accreditation reviews.

Benefits of Removing Unused Scales

Cleaner Configuration

Administrators can focus on active grading frameworks.

Improved Consistency

Teachers use approved and current assessment structures.

Simplified Reporting

Reports and assessments reference only active scales.

Better Assessment Management

Schools avoid confusion caused by duplicate or outdated scales.

Best Practices

Review Dependencies First

Confirm that the scale is not actively used elsewhere in the system.

Remove Duplicate Scales

Eliminate unnecessary grading frameworks.

Coordinate with Academic Leadership

Major grading changes should be reviewed and approved.

Document Significant Changes

Maintain records of assessment framework revisions.

Communicate Changes to Staff

Ensure educators understand updates to grading structures.

Common Questions

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

Yes. Administrators can remove Standard Grade Scales that are no longer needed.

Should I edit or delete a Standard Grade Scale?

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

Can I recreate a deleted scale later?

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

Will deleting a scale affect future assessments?

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

Common Mistakes to Avoid

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

Proper management of Standard Grade Scales helps maintain a reliable, consistent, and meaningful Standards-Based Grading framework.

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