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Standards-Based Learning in the Classroom

Standards-Based Learning in MMSD

Standards-based learning (SBL) is a way of teaching, assessing, and grading that focuses on using evidence of student learning to measure progress. Each course is focused on a set of core skills to establish clear goals for learning. By aligning grading with core skills and prioritizing feedback on these skills, SBL practices foster student agency and ensures every student achieves mastery in skills necessary for success in an evolving world.

With standards-based learning, students are able to better reflect on their skills and what they know.  They know which skills are their strongest and where they need more practice.

West High students listening to graduation ceremony

Why SBL?

We believe our shift to SBL will result in: 

  • Increased student agency 
  • Improved coherence in instruction
  • Access to actionable data to inform instruction 
  • More equitable outcomes for all students

The SBL Learning Cycle: Focusing on mastery, not just completion

The image depicts a circular diagram with three interconnected gears, each containing various icons and text related to core skills, feedback for growth, and opportunities to demonstrate learning.

 

Focus on Core Skills

Each course is focused on a set of core skills to establish clear goals for learning. Instead of just "doing work," students are working toward a clear target. We define what mastery looks like at the beginning so there are no surprises.

Core Skills

Core Skills reflect transferable skills students learn that prepare them to be college, career, and community ready.

Learn more about core skills

Receive feedback for growth

Rubrics serve as a shared language between teachers and students about proficiency in core skills. By using rubrics to provide consistent, skill-based feedback, we empower students to self-assess their work, identify growth areas, and set purposeful goals to achieve mastery of core standards. 

Feedback

Feedback acts as a roadmap, helping students identify their current strengths and the specific steps needed to reach the next level.

Multiple opportunities to demonstrate learning

Core skills are designed to be transferable and enduring. Because these skills are essential, they are not taught in isolation; they appear across multiple units and build in complexity throughout the year. This provides students with ongoing, natural opportunities to show growth.

Mastery Mindset

Students have multiple chances and various ways to show their mastery as skills reappear and grow across the entire course.

How Learning Happens: The Day-to-Day SBL Cycle

A standards-based learning classroom uses a continuous, growth-focused loop to ensure every student succeeds. Here is an example of what that cycle typically looks like: