A Teacher's Guide to Standards-Based Grading and Reporting

I really found this article on standards-based grading to be helpful and relevant. I agreed with what the article was saying when it explained the benefits of using standard based grading. I believe that using these standards does help with consistency and accuracy when connecting what is being taught to what is being tested. I liked the point that was made when the article talked about how when students get meaningful feedback on their formative assessment, it directly boosts their motivation and achievement. I believe if students are being reminded that they are doing good work or are getting the correct help they need, they will continue to work hard and complete their assignments with meaningful intentions.
I also thought it was interesting how the article broke apart the importance of both grading and report cards and how they differ for the student. The grading is to communicate to all the stakeholders and to inspire achievement and impact change. The report card communicates separately and shows student achievement toward academic standards. I found these to be helpful to me for when I have my own classroom in the future, I can use both methods effectively and in different ways. I always knew both were important but now I can actually see the relevancy and detail behind both and how they impact students success.
The section on grading criteria and rubrics was really eye opening for me in terms of being relevant in your criteria and making sure you are grading on exactly what is being taught to the students, not on what you think they should know. Making sure there is a clear learning target is really helpful for students to focus on and have an early understanding on what is being taught that day can drastically improve their quality of learning each day. These articles continue to be helpful and eye opening for me as I learn more and more about becoming a teacher one day.