Standards-based education is a student-centered approach to learning. This approach focuses on developing skills and knowledge instead of the accumulation of points. Student achievement is measured against learning objectives (standards) or “I Cans,” and these learning objectives are clearly and consistently communicated to students through proficiency scales. Teachers track student progress through formative assessments and use these assessments not to grade students but to inform teaching next steps and support for each student. Summative assessments evaluate student learning, and because students learn at different rates, they are given as many opportunities as they need to demonstrate their learning. Each grade only reflects what the students know and are able to do.
While standards-based education has been widely used in education for over twenty years, we realize it is a new concept for many students and families. To better understand what standards-based education means for students and families at CAA we have developed this guide and several supporting documents.
Guide to Understanding SBL at CAA