Standards-Based Grading (K-1)
Coming in the 2025-2026 School Year for K-1
The Whitehall-Coplay School District is excited to share an important update regarding our approach to student assessment and grading. Starting in the 2025-2026 school year, we will be transitioning from traditional grading to a standards-based grading system in Kindergarten and First Grade. This change marks the beginning of a phased roll-out that will extend to higher elementary grade levels in future years.
Standards-based grading focuses on measuring student progress toward clearly defined learning standards rather than assigning a single overall grade. Instead of receiving percentages or letter grades, students will be evaluated based on their mastery of specific skills and concepts. This approach provides a clearer picture of what students can do and where they may need further support.What is Standards-based grading?
Standards-based grading focuses on measuring student progress toward clearly defined learning standards rather than assigning a single overall grade. Instead of receiving percentages or letter grades, students will be evaluated based on their mastery of specific skills and concepts. This approach provides a clearer picture of what students can do and where they may need further support.
Why are we making this change?
Our goal is to better reflect each student’s learning and growth. With standards-based grading, teachers, parents/guardians, and students will be able to more easily identify strengths and areas for improvement, as grades will be tied directly to progress on grade level standards.
A Ladder of Mastery
4 - Excels within grade level standards.
3 - Meets grade level standards.
2 - Approaching grade level standards.
1 - Not yet making sufficient progress toward grade level standards
3 - Meets grade level standards.
2 - Approaching grade level standards.
1 - Not yet making sufficient progress toward grade level standards
Focus on Learning and Achievement
- Techniques that better engage students
- Allows teachers to provide specific feedback
- Students can better self-assess their progress
This system is designed to:
- Provide clearer feedback: Instead of one percentage or letter grade, students will receive specific feedback on each skill or standards, helping them understand what they have mastered and what needs more attention.
- Promote growth: Emphasizes improvement and learning over time, encouraging students to take ownership of their growth.
- Support individualized learning: This system allows for more individualized support, as it highlights areas where students may need additional help or enrichment
How will progress be reported?
As part of the transition to standards-based grading, reporting on progress will move from quarters to trimesters for the 2025-2026 school year at Gockley Elementary. Currently, there are four quarters throughout the school year, with 45 instructional days per quarter. Progress reports or report cards are issued four times per year.
In moving to trimesters, there will be 60 instructional days per trimester. Thus, progress reports will be issued three times per year.
There will also be a mid-trimester progress report that will be sent to parents and guardians halfway through each trimester. These reports will provide an overview of student progress in our core subject areas and be aligned with the Characteristics of a Successful Zephyr.
Benefits of Trimesters
- Mastery of individual learning goals
- Longer periods of instruction and assessment
- Understanding standards at a deeper level
- Detailed, formative feedback to make meaningful progress
- Remediation of enrichment opportunities
- Clearer picture of student progress and development to reflect growth
Transition to Trimester
- Trimester 1 - 60 instructional days
- Trimester 2 - 60 instructional days
- Trimester 3 - 60 instructional days