Eau Claire Area
School District
Standards-Based Grading
Eau Claire Area School District will transition to a Standards-Based Grading system in our secondary schools starting in the 2026-2027 school year. This system helps us clearly show which skills and concepts students are proficient in and where they still need support. Instead of averaging points together, we will report progress on specific standards, so students know exactly what they are strong in and what to work on next. We are about making grades meaningful, helping students grow, and making sure learning stays front and center.
Grading Philosophy - ECASD believes in an equitable grading and reporting system that informs students, families, and staff about a student’s proficiency of grade level/content standards.
What is Standards-Based Grading?
Standards-based grading (SBG) measures and communicates how students are performing on Essential Standards and Learning Targets that are based on Wisconsin Academic Standards. The purpose of SBG is to identify what a student knows or is able to do in relation to pre-established learning targets, as opposed to simply averaging points over the course of a grading period, which can mask what a student has actually learned in a specific course. SBG shifts the focus from sorting students to supporting them and from grading tasks to evaluating proficiency.
How does SBG compare to Traditional Grading?
ECASD Grading Guidelines
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A consistent four-point grading scale is used.
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Academic achievement is reported separately from behaviors.
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Final scores are based on evidence of learning.
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Achievement is organized and reported by Essential Standards and Learning Targets. In high school, final scores are converted to a letter grade at the end of the semester.
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Students will have multiple opportunities to demonstrate proficiency. Accommodations and modifications are provided for exceptional learners.
Resources
Contact Us
Mandy VanVleet
Executive Director of Teaching & Learning
(715) 852-3074
Executive Director of Teaching & Learning
(715) 852-3074
Heather Grant
Director of Early Learning & Elementary Programming
(715) 852-3102
Email
Michelle Radtke
Director of Secondary Programming & Post Secondary Readiness
(715) 852-3091
Email
Director of Early Learning & Elementary Programming
(715) 852-3102
Michelle Radtke
Director of Secondary Programming & Post Secondary Readiness
(715) 852-3091
Cynthia Porter
Director of Secondary Programming & Post Secondary Readiness
(715) 852-3068
Email
Christina Watkinson
Director of Social, Emotional, and Academic Supports
(715) 852-3134
Email
What are the Advantages of Standards-Based Grading?
There are several advantages to standards-based grading over traditional grading that positively impact students, teachers, and families:
Family Engagement: Families can gain a deeper understanding of their child's academic progress and specific areas where additional support may be needed. This transparency facilitates meaningful family-teacher communication.
Continuous Improvement: The SBG approach supports a culture of continuous improvement by encouraging educators to reflect on their teaching methods and make adjustments based on student performance data.
Clarity and Transparency: SBG provides a clearer picture of a student's proficiency in specific skills and knowledge areas. Families, students, and educators can better understand what a grade represents in terms of learning rather than just a letter grade.
Standards Alignment: The SBG approach ensures that assessments align directly with Essential Standards and Learning Targets. This alignment promotes a more focused and intentional approach to teaching and learning.
Growth Mindset: SBG supports a growth mindset by encouraging students to see learning as a continuous journey, fostering resilience and a positive attitude toward challenges. With SBG, conversations between teachers and students become focused on what learning still needs to happen versus how to get a grade.
Data-Driven Decision-Making: Schools can use the data generated from SBG to inform instructional decisions, tailor interventions, and continuously improve teaching practices.
Individualized Feedback: Teachers can provide more targeted and specific feedback to students based on their performance on individual standards. This personalized feedback helps students understand their strengths and areas for improvement.
Assessment Accuracy: SBG offers a more accurate representation of a student's understanding by breaking down performance into specific areas. This can help identify and address learning gaps more effectively.
Focus on Proficiency: SBG emphasizes proficiency on content and skills rather than just completion of assignments. This approach encourages a deeper understanding of the material and promotes long-term retention.