Communicating with parents about standards-based grading

Q: Our school just switched to standards-based grading, and I’m not sure I’ve been bought into it yet. However, I’m most concerned about the community. How can I communicate with parents about the school’s new grading paradigm?

Signed, What am I supposed to say?

A: As schools evolve with the growing needs of learners, so do the methods we use to assess growth. The recent shift to standards-based grading can raise questions and concerns, particularly among parents who may be accustomed to traditional grading systems. If you’re feeling uncertain about this transition, you’re not alone. Many educators are grappling with effectively communicating these changes to the school community. And since change is uncomfortable, many folks prefer to stick with how they have always done it.

Here are some strategies to help you engage parents and foster understanding around standards-based grading.

Understanding standards-based grading

Before discussing communication strategies, it’s essential to clarify what standards-based grading (SBG) is. Unlike traditional grading, which often combines behavior, effort, and academic performance into one letter grade, SBG focuses solely on a learner’s mastery of specific objectives. This method allows for a more accurate reflection of what students know and can do, providing clearer insights into their academic progress, which helps us better shift instruction and prepare students to advocate for their own learning needs.

Emphasizing the benefits

When discussing SBG with parents, it’s helpful to highlight its benefits. Explain that SBG aims to:

• Enhance clarity: Parents will receive more detailed information about their child’s strengths and areas for improvement rather than a single-letter grade that may not fully represent their understanding of the material. When I saw my son’s report card for the first time as a parent, I was impressed by how much information I received about his learning and progress on specific skills. Seeing this made me resent having to give my students one letter grade because it didn’t adequately communicate each child’s learning.
• Encourage mastery: SBG emphasizes learning over performance. Students can retake assessments or complete additional assignments to demonstrate their knowledge, promoting a growth mindset.
• Support individual learning: Each student learns at their own pace. SBG allows for personalized learning paths, ensuring learners achieve mastery before moving on to more complex concepts.

Creating open lines of communication

Remember that messages are best handled consistently, sharing the language you determine is best as a school community. Communication about the shift is not one teacher’s responsibility but a whole school’s. To effectively communicate these changes, consider the following strategies:

• Develop formal communication language: To ensure that everyone is talking about the initiative the same way, have a committee develop the language and a formal letter that teachers can share with parents as a follow-up to what the school will share to introduce the change.
• Host informational sessions: Organizing a series of informational sessions can provide a platform for parents to learn about SBG. These sessions can be held in person or virtually, accommodating different schedules. Invite educators who are well-versed in SBG to present and answer questions. If virtual, record the sessions and post them in easy-to-find places on the school’s website and social media. This collaborative approach fosters community and allows parents to voice their concerns.
• Develop clear, accessible resources: Creating informative materials, such as brochures or FAQs, can help demystify standards-based grading. Use clear language and visuals to explain key concepts. Include examples of how grades will be reported and what they mean. Distributing these resources via email, the school website, or during parent-teacher conferences ensures that information is readily available. Ensure these are continually updated as the school community grows in understanding
• Encourage parent feedback: Engaging parents in the conversation is crucial. Create opportunities for them to share their thoughts and concerns. This could be through surveys, suggestion boxes, or open forums during school events. By actively seeking feedback, you demonstrate that their opinions matter and that you value their partnership in their child’s education.

Addressing concerns

As with any change, parents may have concerns about SBG. Here are some common questions and how to address in your FAQ or other resources:

Q: Will my child still receive a traditional grade?”

A: The answer to this may vary depending on how your school is shifting. Is there a process where grades will be removed over time, or are traditional grades removed completely? Reassure parents that, while report cards may look different, the goal is to represent student learning accurately and provide more information on how students are doing and where they still need to grow.

Q: How will my child be motivated to perform?”

A: Emphasize that SBG encourages intrinsic motivation by focusing on mastery rather than competition. Students are motivated to learn and improve, knowing they can demonstrate their understanding over time. You can share THIS VIDEO with them and show them how powerful this shift can be. You can also record your students talking about learning. Kids sell it best.

Q: “What if my child struggles with certain standards?”

A: Acknowledge that some students may find certain concepts challenging. Explain that SBG allows for additional support and resources, ensuring that every student has the opportunity to succeed.

Building a supportive community

Ultimately, the success of standards-based grading hinges on collaboration between educators and parents and ample, consistent, and clear communication. Encourage parents to engage with their children’s learning by asking about their progress and understanding of the material. This involvement reinforces the partnership between home and school, fostering a supportive environment for student growth.

Teachers can join groups like the Standards-based learning groups on Facebook and LinkedIn to be a part of a community that has had successes and can work through challenges.

Transitioning to standards-based grading is a significant change, but clear communication and community involvement can lead to positive learner outcomes. By emphasizing the benefits, creating open lines of communication, and addressing concerns, you can help parents feel more confident and supportive of this new grading paradigm. Fostering a collaborative and understanding environment will ease the transition and enhance the educational experience for everyone involved.

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