How to Edit a School-Specific Standard in openSIS

How to Edit a School-Specific Standard in openSIS

Overview

As curriculum requirements, learning objectives, and institutional priorities evolve, schools may need to update their School-Specific Standards. Editing standards helps ensure that assessments remain aligned with instructional goals and that standards continue to accurately reflect expected student outcomes.

openSIS allows administrators to modify existing School-Specific Standards whenever updates are required.

Regularly reviewing and maintaining standards helps support effective standards-based grading and meaningful student assessment.


Why Edit a School-Specific Standard?

Schools may edit standards when:

  • Learning objectives change.
  • Curriculum updates are introduced.
  • Standard descriptions need clarification.
  • Subject assignments need correction.
  • Grade-level requirements change.
  • Accreditation requirements are updated.
  • Institutional competencies are revised.

Keeping standards current ensures that assessments remain relevant and accurate.


Before Editing a Standard

Before making changes, review:

Learning Objective

Confirm that the standard continues to reflect the intended student outcome.

Subject Alignment

Ensure the standard is associated with the appropriate subject area.

Grade-Level Placement

Verify that the standard is assigned to the correct grade level.

Assessment Impact

Consider how changes may affect standards-based grading and student mastery tracking.


How to Edit a School-Specific Standard

Step 1: Navigate to School-Specific Standards

Go to:

Settings → Grades → School-Specific Standards

The page displays all custom standards configured within the school.


Step 2: Locate the Standard

Find the standard you want to modify.

Examples:

  • Effective Communication
  • Critical Thinking
  • Digital Citizenship
  • Leadership and Collaboration

Review the current information before making changes.


Step 3: Click Edit

Select the Edit icon next to the standard.

The standard editing form will open.


Step 4: Update the Standard Information

Modify the fields as needed.

Common updates include:

Title

Before:

Communication

After:

Effective Communication Skills

A more descriptive title may improve clarity and reporting.


Subject

Before:

General Studies

After:

English Language Arts

Updating the subject helps ensure proper curriculum alignment.


Grade Level

Before:

Grade 6

After:

Grade 7

Standards may be reassigned as curriculum requirements evolve.


Description

Before:

Students communicate ideas effectively.

After:

Students communicate ideas clearly and effectively using verbal, written, and digital communication methods.

Detailed descriptions provide better guidance for assessment and instruction.


Step 5: Save

Click Save.

The updated standard becomes available immediately for future standards-based assessments and reporting.


Common Reasons for Updating Standards

Curriculum Revisions

Schools frequently update standards when instructional programs change.

Improved Clarity

Descriptions may be revised to better define mastery expectations.

Accreditation Updates

Standards may need adjustment to align with accreditation requirements.

Competency Framework Changes

Institutions may update learning outcomes as educational priorities evolve.

Grade-Level Realignment

Standards may be reassigned to different grade levels during curriculum reviews.


Best Practices

Keep Standards Measurable

Standards should clearly describe observable student skills.

Maintain Curriculum Alignment

Ensure standards continue to support instructional objectives.

Use Clear Descriptions

Descriptions should communicate expectations effectively.

Review Annually

Many schools review standards before the start of each academic year.

Involve Curriculum Leaders

Major changes should be reviewed by academic leadership and curriculum teams.


Common Questions

Can I edit a School-Specific Standard after it has been created?

Yes. Administrators can update standards whenever revisions are necessary.

Can I change the subject associated with a standard?

Yes. Subject assignments can be modified as needed.

Can I update grade levels?

Yes. Standards can be reassigned to different grade levels when curriculum requirements change.

Will editing a standard affect future assessments?

Yes. Updated standards will be used in future standards-based grading and assessment activities.


Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Creating vague learning objectives.
  • Removing important assessment criteria.
  • Assigning standards to incorrect subjects.
  • Using inconsistent naming conventions.
  • Making changes without curriculum review.

Well-maintained standards support accurate assessment, meaningful reporting, and effective instructional planning.

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