How to Edit a Standard Grade in openSIS

How to Edit a Standard Grade in openSIS

Overview

As educational programs evolve, schools may need to update their Standards-Based Grading framework. This can include modifying proficiency levels, adjusting mastery thresholds, updating descriptions, or aligning grading terminology with institutional policies.

openSIS allows administrators to edit Standard Grades whenever changes are required.

Maintaining accurate Standard Grades helps ensure consistency across classrooms and provides meaningful assessment data for students, parents, and educators.


Why Edit a Standard Grade?

Schools may update Standard Grades when:

  • Assessment policies change.
  • Mastery expectations are revised.
  • Grade descriptions need clarification.
  • New proficiency frameworks are adopted.
  • Curriculum requirements evolve.
  • Grading terminology is standardized.
  • Existing grades need refinement.

Regular reviews help ensure the grading system remains aligned with institutional goals.


Before Editing a Standard Grade

Before making changes, consider the following:

Review Existing Assessment Policies

Ensure changes align with approved grading practices.

Evaluate Impact on Teachers

Updates should be communicated clearly to educators who use the grading framework.

Review Associated Grade Scales

If Standard Grades are connected to Standard Grade Scales, ensure changes remain consistent.

Consider Reporting Requirements

Modified grades may affect standards-based reports and mastery tracking.


How to Edit 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 proficiency level you want to update.

Examples:

  • Advanced
  • Proficient
  • Developing
  • Beginning

Review the existing information before proceeding.


Step 3: Click Edit

Select the Edit icon next to the Standard Grade.

The editing form will open.


Step 4: Update the Grade Information

Modify the required fields.



Update the Title

Before:

Developing

After:

Approaching Proficiency

A revised title may provide clearer communication regarding student performance.


Update the Description

Before:

Student demonstrates partial understanding of the standard.

After:

Student is progressing toward mastery and demonstrates an increasing understanding of the standard.

Clear descriptions improve grading consistency.


Update the Breakoff Value

Before:

GradeBreakoff
Proficient75

After:

GradeBreakoff
Proficient80

This change raises the threshold required to achieve the proficiency level.


Update the Display Order

Before:

GradeOrder
Advanced1
Proficient2
Developing3

After:

GradeOrder
Exemplary1
Advanced2
Proficient3

Schools may adjust grade hierarchies as grading frameworks evolve.


Step 5: Save

Click Save.

The updated Standard Grade becomes available immediately throughout the Standards-Based Grading system.


Example Standard Grade Revision

Original Structure

GradeBreakoff
Advanced90
Proficient75
Developing60
Beginning0

Updated Structure

GradeBreakoff
Exemplary95
Advanced85
Proficient70
Developing55
Beginning0

This revised structure introduces an additional mastery level and adjusts performance thresholds.


Benefits of Maintaining Updated Standard Grades

Improved Assessment Accuracy

Grades better reflect current instructional expectations.

Consistent Mastery Tracking

Student performance is measured using current standards.

Better Communication

Descriptions provide clearer explanations of proficiency levels.

Alignment with Curriculum Changes

Assessment frameworks evolve alongside educational programs.

Enhanced Reporting

Standards-based reports remain meaningful and relevant.


Best Practices

Use Clear Terminology

Grade titles should be easy to understand.

Maintain Logical Progression

Proficiency levels should represent increasing levels of mastery.

Review Thresholds Carefully

Breakoff Values should support fair and consistent assessment.

Involve Academic Leadership

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

Document Significant Updates

Maintain records of major grading framework revisions.


Common Questions

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

Yes. Standard Grades can be modified whenever updates are needed.

Can I change proficiency level names?

Yes. Grade titles can be updated to reflect institutional terminology.

Can I adjust Breakoff Values?

Yes. Schools can modify proficiency thresholds as grading policies evolve.

Will updated grades affect future assessments?

Yes. Future standards-based evaluations will use the updated grading structure.


Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Creating overlapping proficiency levels.
  • Using unclear grade descriptions.
  • Changing grading frameworks without staff communication.
  • Setting unrealistic mastery thresholds.
  • Failing to review related Standard Grade Scales.

Properly maintained Standard Grades help create a fair, consistent, and meaningful standards-based assessment system.

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