Peacefield History

Teaching Critical Thinking Creatively

  • Home
  • Blog
  • Shop
    • The Peacefield History Shop
    • Shop Teaching Materials on TpT
  • Community
    • Join our Email Community
    • Join our Collaborative Facebook Group
  • About Peacefield History

Standards Based Grading in Middle School

By: peacefieldhistory19 Comments

Standards based grading in middle school social studies

Edited to note that while this post was written for Social Studies, these practices can carry over easily to any other subject. Both the Math and the ELA teacher at my grade level have adopted very similar practices. 

I’ve already written about my new grading practices for AP U.S. History.  I wanted to make sure that I also told you how I’ve decided to change my grading practices for my middle school Social Studies classes.  I carried out this new SBG system for the full 2015-2016 school year, and it was a great success.  

Students were more engaged and active in their learning, and they put more effort into their assessments, and into thinking critically.  I had lots of students redoing assignments to make them better, and I saw much more growth than I would have under my traditional grading system.  Honestly,  I saw nothing but positive benefits, so I’m continuing the same practices as the new school year begins.

Combining Skills and Content

My grading policy for my grade 7 Social Studies classes is a simplified version of the policy I created for my AP classes.  As I said previously, Social Studies offers up a strange combination of content and skills.  (There are quite a few skills and content standards required for Social Studies 7 in NY state).  Instead of attempting to separate them for assessment purposes, I combine some content and one or two skills into a “lesson.”  At the end of every lesson, students are given an exit ticket to assess what they have learned from the lesson.  The exit ticket might consist of a few questions or a graphic organizer.  Each exit ticket is graded according to a simple rubric.  At the bottom of the page, there is a checklist what has two options – Complete or Incomplete.  As long as a student has provided complete and correct answers, they earn a complete.  Homework completion is not averaged into a student’s grade.

Do students still complete homework?

I haven’t seen any difference in homework completion once I made the switch.  Those students who are involved and active in school will do the work whether or not it’s graded.  For students who are less involved, they quickly learn that they will not do well on assessments if the homework was not complete.

Assessment

Each unit has several lessons, and when I give a test or a quiz, each lesson is assessed on a separate section of the test.  One test might have 4 or 5 separate sections, and a quiz might have one or two.  For every section of the assessment, I include a simple rubric at the bottom of the page.  The rubric includes numbers from 0 – 5, and a simple description of what that number means.  The explanation is the same for each section of the test, even if the questions change.  This has made grading much quicker.  I just read and circle and the explanation is already provided.

Sometimes I will assess a unit with a different type of project – not an essay or an exam.  To see examples of alternative assessments, check our my Hamilton Rap Battle, my Shays’ Rebellion monument project, or my Andrew Jackson mock trial.  Each offers a different way to assess students besides a test or a quiz.

Managing Redos

One of the major tenets of SBG is allowing students to redo assessments if they have scored a lower grade.  I allow students to redo tests and quizzes as long as they have completed all of the formative assessments, and earned a “complete” on each one.  Students are required to fill out a “request to retest” form, and sometimes, if I think they need some extra review, I might require them to meet with me to go over the answers they gave on the first assessment.  Typically speaking, on the redo, I might change the content, the questions or I might keep the questions the same, but change the content the students must assess.

I usually have any students who wish to take a redo stay after on the same day after school.  This means that I only need to make two versions of the test – the original, and the redo.

Converting the “Standards Based Grade” to a 100 Point Scale

At the end of the quarter, I have the students figure out their own grades.  This gives them some awareness of how their averages are figured, and it also makes the process easier for me!  They simply list all of the grades they have accumulated throughout the quarter in order.  All the 5’s, then the 4’s, and so on, so forth. They then find the middle chunk of those grades to figure out their converted “average” grade for the quarter.  My school district still runs on a 100 point grading system, so my SB grades need to be converted to one number.  I then enter that grade in the school book manually.

That’s about it!  I’ve been using SBG with my middle school classes for the past two years, and I’ve absolutely loved this new system.  I’ve gathered together everything I’ve created for SBG in my classes and created a little bundle of goods for teacherspayteachers.  You can find the bundle through this link – Standards Based Grading SBG Social Studies U.S. History

If you have any questions on Standards-Based grading for middle school, please leave them in the comments section below.


Privacy & Cookies: This site uses cookies. By continuing to use this website, you agree to their use.
To find out more, including how to control cookies, see here:

Cookie Policy

Comments

  1. 1

    Shawna says

    July 16, 2017 at 9:27 pm

    I am wondering how you go about listing assignment in the gradebook. My district has conventional gradebooks, not standards based. I am trying to figure out the best way to set things up.

    Reply
    • 2

      peacefieldhistory says

      July 17, 2017 at 8:03 am

      I have a traditional grade book also. Each grade from an assessment is added in separately. I might have four or five grades for any assessment. I then have students figure out their own grades manually. I like students to see the process and the grade book can’t calculate the averages anyway.

      Reply
  2. 3

    Jessica says

    July 24, 2018 at 11:41 am

    Just wondering which standards you use for your grading categories?

    Reply
    • 4

      peacefieldhistory says

      July 24, 2018 at 1:02 pm

      I Don’t have categories- just summative and formative. I use NY State Social Studies standards. We have about a million standards total, so I just try to make sure that I hit at least one (usually two or three) for each section.

      Reply
  3. 5

    Alex v. says

    September 15, 2018 at 10:12 pm

    How would I go about implementing SBG if the county provides us with a common assessment for every unit? Every 6th grader in the county takes the same, multiple choice unit exam.

    Reply
    • 6

      peacefieldhistory says

      September 16, 2018 at 1:48 pm

      That’s difficult. Teachers should be in control of the assessments given in their classrooms. Do you have any options for the way you count the grade? Are you allowed to give redos? You should also talk to the country as to whether this is the best practice for students.

      Reply
      • 7

        Alex V. says

        September 16, 2018 at 5:07 pm

        I agree, especially because some of the test questions I don’t get to cover in class because there isn’t emphasis on that content in the standards! But yes, I am able to determine how I want the grade to count and I allow students to redo tests if they make below a certain score. I am a first year teacher, so just like my 6th graders, I am still learning the best way to do things.

        Reply
  4. 8

    Emily hostetter says

    January 7, 2019 at 2:47 pm

    Just curious. Do you have any standards progress/tracking sheets for students to monitor and track standards or objectives they’ve mastered throughout the year? I’m trying to visualize what this might look like and looking for inspiration 🙂

    Reply
    • 9

      peacefieldhistory says

      January 7, 2019 at 7:39 pm

      I have sheets that require students to keep track of each grade. However, I don’t track progression on a particular skill throughout the year. I would love to be able to do so. If I could cut the amount of content I’m required to teach in each of my classes, I certainly would. It’s just a matter of time available.

      Reply
  5. 10

    MAGGIE says

    June 21, 2019 at 12:22 am

    Can you please provide specific examples of your rubrics?
    Thanks for your help

    Reply
    • 11

      peacefieldhistory says

      June 24, 2019 at 5:34 pm

      Hi Maggie, an example of my generic rubric is contained in by SBG product linked at the bottom of the post. It’s a standard 5 point rubric. The more information and analysis students provide, the higher up on the scale they score. Thanks for your question!

      Reply
  6. 12

    Chris says

    December 7, 2020 at 1:53 pm

    I’m wondering if you are teaching remotely and how you see SBG working remotely vs. in person. Any suggestions for people attempting to switch to this type of grading while teaching remotely? Thanks in advance

    Reply
    • 13

      peacefieldhistory says

      January 18, 2021 at 1:45 pm

      I’ve taught hybrid and remote still using SBG. It’s important to teach synchronously so that students do complete the lessons. I’ve also had students complete a lot more projects and less tests.

      Reply
  7. 14

    Rae-Anne says

    December 30, 2020 at 5:07 pm

    Hello. Does your school socially promote students who do not show proficiency?

    Reply
    • 15

      peacefieldhistory says

      January 1, 2021 at 5:00 pm

      Nope!

      Reply

Trackbacks

  1. Assessing Historical Thinking Skills with Middle School Students – Peacefield History says:
    January 15, 2018 at 4:23 am

    […] practice standards-based grading in my classroom, so I divided my tests into separate lessons and then attached a rubric to each […]

    Reply
  2. Assessing Historical Thinking Skills with Middle School Students - Peacefield History says:
    July 12, 2018 at 4:55 pm

    […] practice standards-based grading in my classroom, so I divided my tests into separate lessons and then attached a rubric to each […]

    Reply
  3. How to Teach Social Studies and Still have a Life Outside the Classroom - Peacefield History says:
    December 10, 2018 at 5:45 pm

    […] have two potential comments for any exit tickets I hand out in my classes. As I utilize standards-based grading, my exit tickets are either marked “complete” or “incomplete.” Any needed […]

    Reply
  4. Developing an Efficient and Effective Grading System - Peacefield History says:
    July 11, 2019 at 10:53 am

    […] aware that I’ve written about Standards Based Grading. It truly was transformative to my teaching experience and I would never suggest that it […]

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

About Peacefield History

Peacefield History is filled with all topics teaching and history related. Follow me for trends in education, teacher tech tips, history related reading, and other more general musings.

Search

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

Join the Facebook Group

Follow Me on Pinterest

Instagram

peacefieldhistory

peacefieldhistory
Remember, joy is endless and unlimited. If you see Remember, joy is endless and unlimited. If you see someone happy and joyful about something, it’s not a dig at you. Most likely, it’s not even about you. Someone else’s joy is NOT taking away from your ability to have your own.
I’ve been legitimately reading lately, so I thou I’ve been legitimately reading lately, so I though I would post my faves on here as I go through them. I’ve been trying to tackle the pile on my night stand, but the description for this book stood out, so it magically jumped into my Kindle.

This story was written about a hundred years ago, but it doesn’t read that way. It tells the story of two women - both Black. One was able to pass for white and join white society, and one wasn’t. 

I really enjoyed this story and the writing felt really modern. There’s a movie based on the story coming out soon, and I think it could really expand on the topics from the book. It’s only 2 dollars on Amazon, but that makes sense, as it’s really a novella. It only took about a hour of my time, but I’d argue it was worth it. 

#passing #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #socialstudiesteacher #historyteacher #teacheronbreak #iteachhistory
Ok, my DMs are blowing up! Can you answer this que Ok, my DMs are blowing up! Can you answer this question? (And yes, I know the grammar was bad in the email. I’m guessing the student had lost some sleep... they probably had to get up after they heard the goat in labor? 😂
After today she'll be quoted everywhere, but I cou After today she'll be quoted everywhere, but I couldn't help myself. What a beautiful message, what a speaker. @Amandascgorman spoke for America today.
I was able to get my first vaccine today, and I ca I was able to get my first vaccine today, and I can’t even explain how humbled and emotional I was over this experience. Everything was incredibly organized, and there were volunteers everywhere to help my through the process. The National Guard greeted me, ushered me in, and protected the location from harm. It was the epitome of good in government. Our government is often derided as a source of evil, and while that certainly can be the case, it is also known as the government of the people, by the people. Today I saw that in action. I was humbled, and for the first time in a long time, I was filled with hope. 

I hope that in the coming days we will see an initiative by our federal government to get this vaccine out to our country’s people more quickly and efficiently. I hope my feed is filled with people getting their vaccines and protecting they and the ones they love from this virus. I wish for you’ll to feel the hope I felt soon. May better days be with us soon. 

❤️ Allison
I had a small win this Friday, and I needed it thi I had a small win this Friday, and I needed it this week. I told my AP students that I was excited about this quiz idea, and they laughed. Honestly, there’s not much to look forward to in a pandemic, and if an exciting quiz is it, well so be it. 

I took the idea of hexagonal review and turned it into a quiz. It was assigned in Google Slides, and I could see the minute they start editing, and the minute they finished. This also worked remotely, and it even worked for my students who have iffy internet. Zoom in to read the directions, and let me know if you have questions. (My Kardashian example is an inside joke with my AP kids.) 

#socialstudies #iteachhistory #iteachAP #socialstudiesteachersrock #iteachmiddleschool #iteachhistory #socialstudiestips #remoteteaching #hybridteaching
You are watching an insurrection. This is domesti You are watching an insurrection. 
This is domestic terrorism. 
This is not a representative Democracy. 

Period.
𝗝𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗮𝘀𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴???? ⁣ 𝗝𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗮𝘀𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴???? ⁣
⁣
I don't think we should be first on the list by any means... however, when I see teachers from other states getting that coveted shot in their arm, I wonder when it will be our turn. ⁣
⁣
I just want some information.⁣
⁣
#socialstudiesteacher #socialstudies #teachinghistory  #hybridlearning #weareteachers #teacherlife #middleschoolsteacher #teachersfollowteachers  #distancelearning #iteachhistory #
This post might be two days late, but that's becau This post might be two days late, but that's because I'm all about finding "balance" this year. Balance between...⁣
⁣
work/life⁣
school/home⁣
plenty/simplicity⁣
productivity/relaxation⁣
the past/ the future⁣
growth/contentment⁣
⁣
I can over think everything at every moment of the day. This year, I just want to live and savor the days instead. (This might just be because I'm 40 now, but I see those days as they pass, and they are fast y'all.)⁣
⁣
#socialstudiesteacher #socialstudies #teachinghistory #TpT #teacherspayteachers #teacherlife #middleschoolteacher #teachersfollowteachers  #distancelearning #iteachhistory #distancelearning  #engagingteaching #historyteacher #iteachmiddleschool #iteachAP #teacheronbreak
Accurate. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to t Accurate.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to those who celebrate in this season! I’m just trying not to eat ALL the spinach and artichoke dip that I made... #selfcare #thedipistheselfcare
My students have been playing "For Crown or Colony My students have been playing "For Crown or Colony?" over the past week, and I needed a new way to make sure that they were understanding/paying attention to what they were learning from the game. I wanted this check-in to be quick, easy to mark, and with minimal clicking on my part. @Padlet came to my rescue. Here's how I set it up.⁣
⁣
1. I posted a question with directions. My post was the only item visible on the page.⁣
2. Student didn't have to log in, they just created their own posts and added their names at the top. ⁣
3. To prevents students from copying each other, I make the posts require approval. This way, I could see all the posts, but they could not. I could provide a check next to their names as I gradually approved the posts. ⁣
⁣
This worked. Students would review the posts the next day to see how their interactions with the game differed. It was easy and quick, and we all need more of that this year. I hope you're thriving and not just surviving right now in your classroom!⁣
⁣
Allison⁣
⁣
#socialstudiesteacher #socialstudies #teachinghistory #TpT #teacherspayteachers #hybridlearning #teacherlife #middleschoolsteacher #teachersfollowteachers #historyteacher #distancelearning #iteachhistory #distancelearning #cooperativelearning #padlet #missionus #forcrownorcolony  #iteachmiddleschool
So basically today was about how much I look like So basically today was about how much I look like my Bitmoji. 🤷🏻‍♀️ #greatkidslongyear #iteachmiddleschool #socialstudiesteacher #iteachhistory #hybridteaching #socialstudies #bitmoji #teachersofinstagram
I'm EXHAUSTED, but I'm starting to figure out how I'm EXHAUSTED, but I'm starting to figure out how this hybrid learning thing works. (It probably helps that I have the sweetest kids under the sun this year!) Since I've had a couple nights of actual sleep, I decided to blog about some of the ideas I've had for cooperative learning this year. It's definitely more difficult, but it's not impossible. (Especially since I've fallen in love with Google Breakout rooms.) Click the link in my profile to learn more!
I have a million tasks on my plate right now, but I have a million tasks on my plate right now, but I may have spent some of my Saturday rearranging my plants. Swipe to see some of my faves. (Yes I have fave plants, don’t you?!) 

#noregrets #havetograde #plantsaremyhappyplace #plantlady #houseplants #sundayvibes #homedecor #sundayscaries
The day after the President told teachers that the The day after the President told teachers that they were focusing too much on slavery in our history, we talked about slavery in my AP class. Why? It's a HUGE part of U.S. History, and not shocking, it also a HUGE part of my curriculum. Slavery comes up often in my classes because it's so fundamental to our development as a country. I'd traditionally done this lesson as a silent conversation, however, I decided to have my hybrid class use Jamboard instead for this lesson.  I gave them 8 "thought provoking" prompts. They had to respond using the ideas they generated by reading two articles (Nash and Kendi). Then, they had to respond to a classmate's posts on each slide. ⁣
⁣
It was an intense and silent period. Students were clicking, typing and THINKING. Their brains were flying and focused. It was interesting, when the bell rang it startled all of this. The initial feedback was that they really enjoyed the experience. We had nine slides filled with details and ideas. Of all that I have done with hybrid teaching thus far, this was probably my favorite. ⁣
⁣
I had a bit of a lightbulb go off with this experience. We're often tasks with "summing things up" at the end of every lesson. With this lesson, I made it about the PROCESS. Thinking, critical thinking, doesn't always lead to an immediate resolution. My students still learned, despite not having a summation.⁣
⁣
This is not my lesson. I've blogged about it previously, and all the resources are there. Click the link in my profile to grab them.
Load More... Follow on Instagram

Categories

  • AP U.S. History
  • Assessment
  • Book Reviews
  • Classroom Management
  • Digital Learning
  • Inquiry Based Learning
  • Lessons
  • Professional Development
  • Standards Based Grading
  • Teacher Budgeting
  • Teacher Interviews
  • Teacher Self Care
  • Teacher Tech
  • Teaching Strategies
  • Teaching the Election

Popular Posts

  • Designing your Social Studies Classroom Cheaply and Easily
    Designing your Social Studies Classroom Cheaply and Easily
  • Utilizing MEAL for Paragraph Writing in Social Studies
    Utilizing MEAL for Paragraph Writing in Social Studies
  • How to Create Assessments that Evaluate Historical Thinking Skills
    How to Create Assessments that Evaluate Historical Thinking Skills
  • 4 Fun Websites for Teaching Geography Interactively
    4 Fun Websites for Teaching Geography Interactively
  • 10 Hacks for Creating with Google Slides - Part 1
    10 Hacks for Creating with Google Slides - Part 1
  • 10 Cooperative Learning Idea for a Socially Distanced Classroom
    10 Cooperative Learning Idea for a Socially Distanced Classroom
  • 8 (More) Podcasts for History Teachers
    8 (More) Podcasts for History Teachers
  • A Critical Thinking One Pager Assessment
    A Critical Thinking One Pager Assessment
  • 15 History Lesson Ideas for Google Arts and Culture
    15 History Lesson Ideas for Google Arts and Culture
  • Why Teaching is a Political Act
    Why Teaching is a Political Act

Find me on Facebook

Find me on Facebook

© 2018–2021 Peacefield History.
  • Contact Me
  • Privacy Policy

This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. See full disclosure here.​

accept

This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website.
See full disclosure here.​

accept