Recruiter's Glossary

Examples: IDEA • PBIS • Direct Instruction

Standards-Based Grading

Term from Secondary Education industry explained for recruiters

Standards-Based Grading is a modern way of evaluating student performance in schools that focuses on measuring specific learning goals rather than just giving traditional letter grades. Instead of having one overall grade like "B+" in a subject, this system tracks how well students master individual skills or standards. For example, rather than a single math grade, a student might be evaluated separately on their ability to solve equations, understand geometry, and work with fractions. This approach helps teachers, students, and parents better understand exactly what skills a student has mastered and where they need more support. Similar approaches are sometimes called "Mastery-Based Grading" or "Competency-Based Assessment."

Examples in Resumes

Implemented Standards-Based Grading system across 9th grade science curriculum

Led professional development workshops on Standards-Based Grading and Mastery-Based Grading implementation

Created parent communication materials to explain transition to Standards-Based Grading system

Typical job title: "Teachers"

Also try searching for:

Secondary Education Teacher Curriculum Specialist Instructional Coach Assessment Coordinator Education Technology Specialist Academic Dean Department Head

Where to Find Teachers

Professional Organizations

Online Communities

Job Boards

Example Interview Questions

Experienced Teacher/Administrator Questions

Q: How would you lead a school-wide transition to Standards-Based Grading?

Expected Answer: Should discuss creating implementation timeline, professional development plans, parent communication strategies, and methods for supporting teachers through the change. Should mention pilot programs and gathering feedback.

Q: How do you handle parent concerns about Standards-Based Grading?

Expected Answer: Should explain methods for educating parents about benefits, providing clear examples of how it works, and showing how it gives better information about student progress than traditional grades.

Mid-Level Teacher Questions

Q: How do you design assessments for Standards-Based Grading?

Expected Answer: Should explain creating clear learning targets, developing rubrics that measure specific skills, and providing multiple opportunities for students to demonstrate mastery.

Q: How do you track and communicate student progress in a Standards-Based system?

Expected Answer: Should discuss methods for recording individual skill achievements, using technology tools to track progress, and clearly communicating progress to students and parents.

New Teacher Questions

Q: What is the difference between traditional grading and Standards-Based Grading?

Expected Answer: Should explain how traditional grades combine many factors into one grade, while Standards-Based Grading separately evaluates specific skills and learning goals.

Q: How do you give feedback to students in a Standards-Based system?

Expected Answer: Should discuss providing specific feedback tied to learning goals, using rubrics, and helping students understand what they need to do to improve specific skills.