Leading Standards-Based Learning
An Implementation Guide for Schools and Districts
Standards-based learning is a great step forward for schools, but it must be implemented correctly to ensure the best educational experience possible. In this comprehensive implementation guide, the authors outline a research-backed, five-phase plan for leading the transition to a standards-based grading system.
Benefits
- Develop a strong standards-based curriculum.
- Align instruction and reliable assessments to the standards.
- Change outdated grading and reporting practices to promote student learning and growth.
- Share knowledge with and seek feedback from teachers, students, families, and other stakeholders.
- Achieve a sustainable standards-based learning system that benefits all students in a school or district.
- Study implementation examples from real teachers, leaders, and schools.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Phase 1: Curriculum and CommunicationPhase 2: Alignment and Capacity Building
Phase 3: Universal Implementation, Communication, and Reporting Systems
Phase 4: Continuation, Revision, and Expansion
Phase 5: Monitoring, Tracking Student Achievement, and Celebrating
Epilogue
Appendix A: Additional Resources for Chapter 1
Appendix B: Additional Resources for Chapter 2
Appendix C: Additional Resources for Chapter 3
Appendix D: Additional Resources for Chapter 4
Appendix E: Additional Resources for Chapter 5
STUDY GUIDE
REPRODUCIBLES
Chapter 2
Appendix C
Sample Slides
- Sample slides for presentations to parents (Deer Creek Public Schools)
- Sample slides for presentations to staff (Jefferson County Public Schools)
SUGGESTED RESOURCES
Books
- DuFour, R., DuFour, R., Eaker, R., & Many, T. (2016). Learning by doing (3rd ed.). Bloomington, IN: Solution Tree Press.
- Eaker, R., & Marzano, R. J. (Eds.). (2020). Professional Learning Communities at Work and High Reliability Schools: Cultures of continuous learning. Bloomington, IN: Solution Tree Press.
- Gobble, T., Onuscheck, M., Reibel, A. R., & Twadell, E. (2016). Proficiency-based assessment process, not product. Bloomington, IN: Solution Tree Press.
- Guskey, T. R. (Ed.). (2009a). The principal as assessment leader. Bloomington, IN: Solution Tree Press.
- Guskey, T. R. (Ed.). (2009b). The teacher as assessment leader. Bloomington, IN: Solution Tree Press.
- Heflebower, T. (2009). A seven-module plan to build teacher knowledge of balanced assessment. In T. R. Guskey (Ed.), The principal as assessment leader (pp. 93–117). Bloomington, IN: Solution Tree Press.
- Heflebower, T. (2020). A multiyear plan for standards-referenced reporting. In R. Eaker & R. J. Marzano (Eds.), Professional Learning Communities at Work and High Reliability Schools: Cultures of continuous learning (pp. 191–218). Bloomington, IN: Solution Tree Press.
- Heflebower, T., Hoegh, J. K., & Warrick, P. B. (2014). A school leader’s guide to standards-based grading. Bloomington, IN: Marzano Resources.
- Heflebower, T., Hoegh, J. K., Warrick, P. B., & Flygare, J. (2019). A teacher’s guide to standards-based learning. Bloomington, IN: Marzano Resources.
- Hoegh, J. K. (2020). A handbook for developing and using proficiency scales in the classroom. Bloomington, IN: Marzano Resources.
- Marzano, R. J. (2010). Formative assessment and standards-based grading. Bloomington, IN: Marzano Resources.
- Marzano, R. J. (2017). The new art and science of teaching. Bloomington, IN: Solution Tree Press.
- Marzano, R. J. (2018). Making classroom assessments reliable and valid. Bloomington, IN: Solution Tree Press.
- Marzano, R. J., Heflebower, T., Hoegh, J. K., Warrick, P. B., & Grift, G. (2016). Collaborative teams that transform schools: The next step in PLCs. Bloomington, IN: Marzano Resources.
- Marzano, R. J., Warrick, P. B., Rains, C. L., & DuFour, R. (2018). Leading a High Reliability School. Bloomington, IN: Solution Tree Press.
- Marzano, R. J., Warrick, P. B., & Simms, J. A. (2014). A handbook for High Reliability Schools: The next step in school reform. Bloomington, IN: Marzano Resources.
- Marzano, R. J., Yanoski, D. C., Hoegh, J. K., & Simms, J. A. (2013). Using Common Core Standards to enhance classroom instruction and assessment. Bloomington, IN: Marzano Resources.
- Schimmer, T. (2016). Grading from the inside out: Bringing accuracy to student assessment through a standards-based mindset. Bloomington, IN: Solution Tree Press.
