Frequently Asked Questions

As standards-based learning begins rolling out across NKC Schools, we know families have questions about what this change means for their students. This page is designed to give you clear, straightforward answers. You’ll find information about how grades are determined, what you can expect to see on report cards, and how this approach supports student growth. Our goal is to help families feel informed as we move toward a grading system that more accurately reflects what students know and can do.

Grading Basics

What is standards-based learning and grading?

Standards-based learning and grading is a way of measuring learning that focuses on what students know and can do in relation to specific learning goals, called standards. Each subject is broken down into these clear goals, and teachers gather evidence of how well students are mastering each one.

Rather than combining points from homework, tests, and extra credit into a single score, this system looks at a student’s understanding of the most important skills and concepts. It shows where a student is thriving, where they are still developing, and how their learning is progressing over time.

This gives families clearer, more meaningful information about their child’s strengths and growth areas — and helps students see learning as a process, not just a letter or number. It also builds the skills students need most: problem-solving, persistence, and self-knowledge.

How is this different from traditional grading?

A: Traditional grading often combines many different factors into a single letter grade, including homework completion, class participation, extra credit, attendance, and behavior. Because every teacher might weigh these things differently, grades can vary from class to class and may not clearly show what a student has actually learned. Grades are often based on percentages or point totals, which can make it hard to see specific strengths and growth areas.

Standards-based grading works differently. Each subject is broken down into specific learning goals, called standards, and students are given a proficiency level for each one. Grades reflect learning and progress, so families can clearly see what their student knows and can do. Instead of averaging every score, teachers look at the most recent and consistent evidence of learning. This gives families a clearer, more accurate picture of progress and helps students understand exactly what they’re working toward.

How do teachers determine a final grade?

Grades are given for each of the key (sometimes called "priority") standards in a subject. These standard grades are based on the student’s most consistent and most recent level of performance, rather than a straight average of all scores. Teachers look at the mode of the evidence and the most recent evidence, and use this information coupled with their professional judgment to determine the final score for each standard. This means students aren't penalized based on early, less successful attempts – the grade reflects their current performance.

Because the purpose of standards-based grading is to report what students know and are able to do, simply averaging all the evidence together does not represent an accurate picture of where a student is in his learning. A student who struggles in a class at the beginning of a grading period and receives poor grades, but who keeps working and by the end of the grading period can clearly demonstrate proficiency in the subject, should receive a grade that reflects that.

Consider two students, Stewart and Maria. Stewart earns the following scores: 85, 85, 85, 85, 85, 85, 85, 85 and 85. The average is not difficult to calculate, and Stewart’s grade is posted as a B. Maria struggles in math and turns in this performance: 50, 60, 65, 70, 80, 85, 90, 90, and 90. Her mean score of a little over 75 would result in a C on her report card, but it is obvious that Maria now understands the math even though she struggled in the beginning (adapted from Adams 12).

Another example comes from professional sports. A basketball game’s score at the end is not an average of the four quarters, but rather where the team gets to at the end, regardless of how many points were scored in each individual quarter. In the same way, most professionals undergo some sort of evaluation process in their job. Their most current performance evaluation is not averaged with their previous performance evaluation, but rather replaces it as it is a better reflection of where the individual is performing currently.

In secondary schools, to reach a final traditional letter grade overall for a class, teachers then average each of a student's final standard scores. The final letter grade is what is reported on transcripts and to colleges.

Does this lower expectations for students?

No; it raises them. Students must show a deeper understanding of skills and concepts, not just collect points. Standards-based learning also requires students to take more ownership over their own progress. By focusing on improvement over time and learning (not just accumulating points), students are encouraged to and rewarded when they keep trying and growing.

How It Works

How do standards-based grades reflect student learning?

What do the proficiency levels mean?

4 – Proficient: Your child has fully met the learning goal.
3 – Nearing Proficient: Your child understands most of the skills or concepts.
2 – Developing: Your child is beginning to understand the skills or concepts.
1 – Not Yet: Even with help, your child shows limited understanding.
0 – No Evidence: There isn’t enough information yet to show learning.

For a full overview, please visit the Proficiency Scale page.

Are all assignments graded?

Does homework still matter?

How should I read my child's report card?

If your child attends a Vanguard (pilot) school, their grade card will look slightly different starting in fall 2025. Our pilot schools are Chapel Hill, Davidson, Maplewood, Nashua, Northgate and North Kansas City High School. Check out our page here for information about what will look different.

If your child does not attend a pilot school, they will still use the same grade card as in the past.

Fairness and Accountability

How does this affect GPA and college admissions?

Nothing about the way grades show up on report cards for secondary students (grades 6-12) is changing. Students will still receive traditional letter grades and transcripts. At the end of a quarter or semester, a student's proficiency score will be converted into a traditional letter grade. 4=A, 3=B, 2=C, 1=D, and 0=F.

Colleges and employers will see the same GPA and class rank they always have. Colleges across the country – including Missouri universities – already review transcripts from schools using standards-based learning. Your child’s opportunities for scholarships, admissions, and recognition will not change.

How does this prepare students for college classes?

At the college and university level, professors have a significant amount of autonomy in how they grade, therefore there is no universal approach to grading at the postsecondary level. Students will experience a wide range of grading practices and expectations in college. In one semester, students may have a professor that uses SBG, one that uses a traditional 100-point scale, and one that uses a competency-based grading approach. However, alternative grading methods are certainly expanding at universities throughout the country.

How are behavior, attendance, and work habits counted?

They are reported separately from academic grades. You’ll still receive information about your child’s habits and responsibility, but grades reflect only learning.

At the elementary level (K-5), this will be communicated to families in terms of the Portrait of a Graduate documented in SuccessTrack. For secondary students, the exact method of reporting behaviors connected to learning is still being determined.

What if my child learns faster or slower than others?

Standards-based learning shows a record of growth for every student, whether they master a skill quickly or need more time. The system highlights where your child is right now and where they’re headed, so families see progress at every stage. In addition, students who don't score well at first, but eventually master a standard, are not penalized for their early attempts.

How can I keep track of my child's grades?

Just like in the past, families can use district platforms to see students' work. This varies by grade level, but for older students, families are encouraged to use Canvas and PowerSchool. Rather than point-based scores for assignments, you’ll see updated proficiency levels and feedback. Each mark will also be connected to the specific standard (or learning goal) it is measuring.