Our grading practices in Anoka-Hennepin are changing to a system that allows teachers to more accurately and consistently communicate student achievement. Student grades will align to state and local learning standards. Over the next several years we will continue adding courses and content areas that follow a standards-based grade book. Check out a helpful flyer with additional information.

This standards-based grade book focuses on student learning rather than the earning of points or a single grade based on an overall average. In a standards-based classroom, student work is evaluated as evidence of learning. Teachers and students use established criteria, such as proficiency scales, to determine what level of learning is evident from the student work.

Grades must be accurate and meaningful so that teachers, students, and parents know exactly what progress has been made and what opportunities there are for growth. Providing feedback to students around specific learning standards has shown to significantly boost achievement and motivation for students.

Moving to the standards-based grade book is a change that’s years in the making, which is being led by teachers, and comes with years of foundational work. The shift to standards-based grade book will continue to occur in phases, with some courses already implemented and additional courses being added each year.

What will this look like in the grade book?

View the video below on how to interpret the grade book.

Check out this guide on navigating a sample standards-based gradebook. 

First, the report card is not changing. So when students and parents look at the report card, they’ll still be earning As, Bs, etc.

That said, teachers using a standards-based grade book will focus on the most important standards/benchmarks (called “priority standards/benchmarks”). Rather than a list of assignments and points earned, student knowledge will be evaluated using a proficiency scale that will allow parents, students, and others to determine exactly what the student knows. Daily practice (homework) completion may be noted in the grade book, but might not be calculated into the final course grade. This reflects the belief that students should be graded based on what they know rather than their first attempts at learning.

If you would like the proficiency scale for a high priority benchmark or have additional questions, contact your student’s teacher directly as they're the best source of information about your student’s achievement.

My Student Information via A-HConnect

View the video below on how to access the grade book.