Standards-Based Learning: Four Strategies to Implement

Education has a vast scope that requires an equal amount of effort from all stakeholders. Systems of education differ in countries across the world. As the pandemic struck, many school systems shifted to online learning. As the pandemic progresses, it has been challenging for many to resume physical classroom learning.

As the education industry is trying to cope, students are trying to match the pace as they work and study. Some learning will always be standards-based. Here, clear objectives, performance standards, grading systems, instructions, etc., must be considered. There are various purposes for these standards—they form an essential basis for students' education and the teaching community.

Strategies for Standard Based Learning System

When New York City launched standards-based grading in April 2020, it signaled a major shift in how students' learning is assessed. Standards-Based Learning (SBL) is a system that matches education to the values and demands of a modern and developing world; such systems are being implemented in an increasing number of schools throughout the country.

These learning systems, as the name suggests, combine all the essential aspects of quality education. Included in this concept are instructions, assessment and grading methods, and the understanding and reporting of academic performance, skill, and knowledge. This involves combining all clearly defined objectives that a student is expected to achieve throughout the progression of his or her education. The purpose is to know and understand the skill or knowledge as per a set standard.

Several institutes have started to implement this learning system. Such standards-based learning aligns with the goal of better and more skillful understanding that is vital for the rapidly changing world. If the education system does not align with these goals, the traditional ways can be challenging to implement and build upon. Thus, some strategies need to be developed.

1. Understand the Purpose and Need for Change

The first important step to implementing this learning system is to understand its purpose. The schools that want to implement this need to ask why they want standards-based learning and how the current grading and other practices align with the values of the district. A vital aspect of sound education is based not only on grades but also on understanding concepts.

2. Be Patient and Ready for Change

When any change takes place, there will be a rollercoaster ride of opinions, judgments, and criticism. There is going to be discomfort, but that can be a positive aspect. It means there is a conversation moving in the right direction. Whatever decisions are made for new standards needs to be well researched and discussed. In the adoption of the learning system, there needs to be surveys, meetings, and votes to implement something the majority understands and agrees to utilize.

3. Public Input and Appreciation

As any new standard is a new way of approaching and thinking about education, the implemented learning system needs to be discussed publicly and the results published. Parents' feedback and surveys are essential for a proper understanding of the benefits and results. This will help create more support and create a platform to enable a lasting and positive change.

4. The Aim of Holistic Development

The direction you are working toward is most important. Hence, it is essential that the main aim of these standards-based learning systems be the development and well-being of all students. The objective should be proper and practical learning without just focusing on grades. There should not be a fear of grades, parents, and criticism. The ability of students to avoid high academic pressure and stress is essential and should be incorporated in any changes.

Purpose and Benefits of a Standards-Based Learning System

A standards-based learning system was initially advocated by the state of California in 2001, two decades ago. As mentioned earlier, the purpose of standards-based learning is to have a set objective for rational and improved learning concepts that empower students to develop a mentality that focuses on doing well in class and obtaining information and knowledge.

Here, the well-being and development of children are given priority. The aim is the cultivation of a mindset where children become curious and excited to learn more and adapt to better ways of learning.

These systems have all the aspects of formal learning, which sets an attainable goal for the students. They are reality-based and do not include comparative assessments.

Knowing and working on valuable feedback is another essential feature to properly implement the system. This not only results in a significant transformation for the students but also a huge emotional change for the educators.

As experienced people face a transformational outlook where they are asked to rethink and reevaluate traditions, it can be a change that takes time. Here, the objective is based on articulating what needs to be learned, working toward setting goals, and measuring the achievements and progress of every student against a standard. An academic report is highly beneficial as it substantiates goal-based progress.

Standards-Based Grading

As we discuss the strategies to implement a standards-based learning system and why it is essential, we need to understand that it incorporates many concepts. There are standard grading systems for academic reports, performance goals, and measurement. This might be confusing for some as it can have several interpretations.

The grading system in this strategy is based on a holistic approach to learning. Grades are an important part of a holistic development; however, it is also necessary to make sure that a more integrated measurement of student progress is tracked and used.

This is known as ‘The alternative grading system.’ Learning outcomes that are clearly specified are the most important aspects of grading. However, this system refers to the quantifiable standards of what a student learns or a holistic view of what the student can achieve after completing a course. This system allows and expects repeated chances to exhibit understanding learning outcomes rather than one-time pass-fail grading of tasks.

How schools approach student assessment should be changed for the better. Some programs that incorporate this take a top-down approach. This type of planning needs a high level of technology and teamwork. As we want to have smooth student tracking and management, the planning and execution here take time.

Educators need to be patient and work toward attaining a standard practice that can be performed in different parts of the district. There needs to be valuation and assessment from every standards-based learning activity and process. Launching such a concept will be difficult as both the management and students will need to digest this significant change.

But the results are worth all the efforts as studies have proven so far. Learning based systems help make every student responsible for his or her grades, what he or she learns, and what he or she can achieve. When there is a set standard, it improves and enhances self-learning, and builds healthy competition in the school atmosphere.

Conclusion

Every notable change takes time, but this does not mean we shouldn't try and adapt to the changing world. As we practice new education concepts, adapting to the new and improved learning system is also essential. Standards-based learning calls for proper management from students, parents, and educators alike. Their feedback and opinions need to matter, and the results need to be presented to them for proper planning in the future. Standards-based learning is not entirely new, but is still an innovative concept, and all institutes need to learn from one another to adopt it soon.