What Is Standards-Based Learning Really?
Reimagining Learning: A Year of Purposeful Change
Buckle up, class! Today, we're embarking on a field trip to demystify a term that often buzzes around educational circles: standards-based learning. For some, it evokes images of rigid checklists and endless assessments. For others, it represents a beacon of clarity and a pathway to ensuring every student truly learns. So, what is standards-based learning really? It's more than just knowing the standards; it's a fundamental shift in how we approach teaching and assessing student growth.
At its core, standards-based learning is an educational framework centered on the idea that student learning should be clearly aligned with specific, measurable learning standards. These standards outline what students should know and be able to do at each grade level and in each subject. However, the "standards" are just the starting point. Standards-based learning truly comes to life in how we design instruction, provide feedback, and measure student progress towards achieving those standards.
Think of it like a roadmap for learning. The standards are the key destinations we want all students to reach. Standards-based learning provides a clear understanding of these destinations for both teachers and students. It emphasizes transparency in learning goals, so students know exactly what is expected of them. It also promotes a focus on mastery, where the goal is for every student to achieve a deep understanding of the standards, rather than simply moving through content at the same pace.
One of the key shifts in standards-based learning is the way we think about assessment. Instead of focusing solely on points or percentages, assessment in a standards-based system is designed to provide specific feedback on a student's progress towards mastering individual standards. This feedback is intended to be informative and actionable, guiding both the student and the teacher on next steps for learning.
Furthermore, standards-based learning encourages flexibility in how students demonstrate their understanding. While the standards define what students need to learn, teachers often have significant autonomy in how they teach and how students show their mastery. This can lead to more engaging and relevant learning experiences that cater to diverse learning styles and interests, all while keeping the focus firmly on the essential learning goals.
In essence, standards-based learning is a commitment to clarity, equity, and a focus on ensuring that all students achieve a deep and lasting understanding of the essential knowledge and skills outlined in the standards. It's a move away from a time-based system to a learning-based system, where progress is measured by evidence of mastery.
Reflective Question: What is your current understanding of standards-based learning, and what is one aspect of it that you find most intriguing or challenging?
Citations:
Guskey, T. R. (2016). Grading what matters: Standards-based grading in K–12 classrooms. Corwin.
O'Connor, K. (2011). A repair kit for grading: 15 fixes for broken grades. Corwin.
Further Exploration:
Try this next: Now that we have a clearer picture of what standards-based learning is, in our next post, we will explore mastery-based learning and its potential to create more learning opportunities for all students.
Kelli Marcus is the author of "Reimagining Learning: A Year of Purposeful Change," a blog series designed to empower educators—teachers, administrators, instructional coaches, and educational staff—to explore and implement innovative practices. A former classroom teacher, school counselor, administrator, and college instructor, Kelli brings extensive experience in providing professional development to school systems, with a focus on standards-based learning, change at an organizational scale, student-centered learning, and teacher-led schools. Kelli Marcus can be contacted through LinkedIn.
