Standards-Based Learning in Action: Moving From Theory to Practice (A Guide to Implementing Standards-Based Grading, Instruction, and Learning)

by Tom Schimmer, Garnet Hillman, Mandy Stalets

Overview

Get past the knowing-doing gap and confidently implement standards-based learning. This book offers a comprehensive look at what standards-based learning looks like in action, from creating formative assessments to using data to inform instruction to transitioning to standards-based grading systems. Instead of comparing students to each other, standards-based learning compares students' proficiency levels to performance standards and learning targets. Each chapter offers readers a well-thought-out action plan for implementation and effective strategies for communicating with students and parents about the classroom changes that will occur during the transition.

Use this book as your action plan for implementing standards-based learning:

• Explore concrete steps for putting standards-based grading, instruction, and learning into action.
• Implement schoolwide change beginning with classroom practices.
• Address common implementation mistakes and challenges.
• Effectively sequence units and align them with unpacked standards and learning targets.
• Create effective proficiency level scales and rubrics.

Contents:
Introduction
Chapter 1: Standards-Based Learning in Action
Chapter 2: Standards Alignment in Action
Chapter 3: Formative Assessment in Action
Chapter 4: Effective Feedback in Action
Chapter 5: Meaningful Homework in Action
Chapter 6: Self- and Peer Assessment in Action
Chapter 7: Summative Assessment in Action
Chapter 8: Redos, Retakes, and Reassessment in Action
Chapter 9: Proficiency Scales and Rubrics in Action
Chapter 10: Standards-Based Reporting in Action
Epilogue
References and Resources
Index

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781945349010
Publisher:	Solution Tree Press
Publication date:	01/31/2018
Pages:	240
Product dimensions:	6.90(w) x 9.90(h) x 0.90(d)

Table of Contents

About the Authors ix

Introduction 1

The Knowing-Doing Gap 2

About This Book 6

Within Each Chapter 6

1 Standards-Based Learning in Action 9

Moving From Rationale to Action 9

Talking to Learners 26

Talking to Parents 28

Getting Started With Standards-Based Learning 28

Questions for Learning Teams 29

2 Standards Alignment in Action 31

Moving From Rationale to Action 32

Talking to Learners 46

Talking to Parents 48

Getting Started With Standards Alignment 49

Questions for Learning Teams 50

3 Formative Assessment in Action 51

Moving From Rationale to Acton 52

Talking to Learners 65

Talking to Parents 66

Getting Started With Formative Assessment 67

Questions for Learning Teams 68

4 Effective Feedback in Action 69

Moving From Rationale to Action 70

Talking to Learners 85

Talking to Parents 86

Getting Started With Effective Feedback 86

Questions for Learning Teams 87

5 Meaningful Homework in Action 89

Moving From Rationale to Action 89

Talking to Learners 104

Talking to Parents 105

Getting Started With Meaningful Homework 106

Questions for Learning Teams 107

6 Self-Assessment in Action 109

Moving From Rationale to Action 109

Talking to Learners 121

Talking to Parents 123

Getting Started With Self-Assessment 123

Questions for Learning Teams 124

7 Summative Assessment in Action 125

Moving From Rationale to Action 125

Talking to Learners 142

Talking to Parents 144

Getting Started With Summative Assessment 144

Questions for Learning Teams 145

8 Redos, Retakes, and Reassessment in Action 147

Moving From Rationale to Action 148

Talking to Learners 160

Talking to Parents 163

Getting Started With Redos, Retakes, and Reassessment 163

Questions for Learning Teams 164

9 Proficiency Scales and Rubrics in Action 165

Moving From Rationale to Action 165

Talking to Learners 182

Talking to Parents 183

Getting Started With Proficiency Scales and Rubrics 184

Questions for Learning Teams 185

10 Standards-Based Reporting in Action 187

Moving From Rationale to Action 188

Talking to Learners 208

Talking to Parents 209

Getting Started With Standards-Based Reporting 209

Questions for Learning Teams 210

Epilogue 211

References and Resources 213

Index 223

What People are Saying About This

From the Publisher

"Schimmer, Hillman, and Stalets have crafted an enormously useful book. The refrain in action moves the reader from theory to practice, and the personal narratives of practicing teachers are particularly compelling. This books is like slow food for the teacher and administrator wishing to revolutionize teaching, learning, and grading. You don't gallop through every course, but take it one bite at a time, savoring each course. If you must eat dessert first, then proceed to the last chapter on standards-based grading — but then work backward and help your colleagues understand the rational basis for this essential reform."

—Douglas Reeves, Author, CEO of Creative Leadership Solutions

"Whether you are just beginning to explore the idea of standards-based learning and assessment, or you are searching for ways to refine your standards-based practice, Standards-Based Learning in Action is an important book to read. This resource offers a comprehensive and nuanced exploration of how assessment can serve a culture of learning in today's classrooms. This book is practical and highly applicable while also exploring how teachers and students are positioned on the educational landscape, and how assessment decisions affect the validity and transparency of all assessment practices. This resource looks at standards-based learning from the perspective of the educator, the student, and the parent. The templates, examples, and conversation guides offered throughout the book guarantee that teachers will be able to find vital topics easily and build standards-based assessment into their everyday experiences."

—Katie White, Author, Educational Consultant, and Coordinator of Learning for the North East School Division, Saskatchewan, Canada

"The structure of each chapter provides a brilliant blueprint for educators who want to move to standards-based learning, grading, and reporting — research, implementation strategies, information for parents and students, how to get started, and reflection questions. If you follow the practical advice, the result will be a more learning-targeted classroom, and the side effect will be a more authentic, meaningful relationship with your students."

—Ken O'Connor, Author, CEO of Assess for Success Consulting