An Introduction to Standards-Based Grading

Teachers & leaders build skills to support educators as they transition from traditional grading to standards-based.

This workshop is designed to support educators as they transition from traditional grading to standards-based grading (SBG). It begins by defining and discussing the principles of SBG and highlighting its benefits, such as clearer communication of student progress and an increased focus on learning over compliance. Participants examine the key components of SBG, review practical examples, and explore strategies for implementation in real classrooms. The workshop concludes with collaborative planning for next steps, ensuring participants leave with actionable strategies to begin or strengthen their school’s journey toward SBG.

Core Needs Addressed

  • Traditional grading systems that often emphasize completion, behavior, or extra credit rather than mastery of standards.

  • Inconsistent communication of student progress to families and students.

  • Difficulty for educators in implementing fair, clear, and learning-focused grading practices.

Key Learnings

  1. Understanding the Principles and Benefits of SBG
    Participants will gain clarity on the philosophy and purpose of standards-based grading, including how it shifts the focus from compliance to genuine mastery of learning objectives.

  2. Implementing Key Components of SBG
    Educators will explore practical strategies such as defining measurable learning objectives, creating effective grading scales, emphasizing formative assessments, and providing specific feedback that promotes growth.

  3. Planning for Action and Overcoming Challenges
    Participants will leave with strategies to address common challenges in implementing SBG and will collaborate on actionable next steps, ensuring they can take meaningful progress toward transforming grading practices in their schools.

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An Introduction to Standards-Based Grading

Teachers & leaders build skills to support educators as they transition from traditional grading to standards-based.

Led by our team of Instructional Strategists

Learning Path

Last Updated

Apr 15, 2026 2:46 PM

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Designed for School Leaders asking...

How can we transition to standards-based grading in ways that provide clearer, more accurate reporting of student mastery and growth?

What systems and supports will ensure consistent SBG implementation that shifts the focus from compliance to measurable learning outcomes?

How do we lead a sustainable grading reform process that improves instructional decision-making, student ownership of learning, and overall achievement?

This workshop helped me better understand the challenges families face and gave me practical strategies to strengthen communication and engagement. I now feel more confident in building supportive partnerships with families to improve student success.

Jen Soloman

School Name

Delivering Powerful Learning Experiences

As a result of this work

As a result of this work, educators will strengthen their understanding of standards-based grading and implement practices that more clearly communicate student learning and progress. Teachers will leave with practical strategies, real classroom examples, and collaborative planning tools that support the transition from traditional grading to standards-based grading and help focus assessment practices on meaningful student learning.

Workshop Description

This workshop is designed to support educators as they transition from traditional grading to standards-based grading (SBG). It begins by defining and discussing the principles of SBG and highlighting its benefits, such as clearer communication of student progress and an increased focus on learning over compliance. Participants examine the key components of SBG, review practical examples, and explore strategies for implementation in real classrooms. The workshop concludes with collaborative planning for next steps, ensuring participants leave with actionable strategies to begin or strengthen their school’s journey toward SBG.

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Designed for Today's Schools

Customized
Expert-led
In-person, virtual, or asynchronous
Standards Aligned
Research-Based
Nationwide

Educators will confidently

Educators will confidently implement standards-based grading by applying its core principles, using clear criteria to communicate student progress, and shifting assessment practices to prioritize learning over compliance. This work supports district priorities by strengthening assessment systems, improving transparency and consistency in grading, and promoting more accurate measures of student achievement.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes your workshops different from traditional professional development or other providers?

Our approach goes beyond one-size-fits-all professional development. We hold ourselves to rigorous standards of quality and delivery in every client interaction, ensuring that each experience is meaningful, relevant, and impactful. We don’t just deliver workshops—we build long-term partnerships with schools and districts, working alongside educators to improve instructional practices and student outcomes over time.

We actively listen to educators’ unique contexts and experiences, using that insight to collaboratively design tailored solutions rather than pre-packaged sessions. Our team asks thoughtful questions, challenges assumptions, and continuously learns so we can help redefine what’s possible in teaching and learning.

Above all, we communicate authentically, foster positive and productive relationships, and bring a deep passion and commitment to education. The result is professional learning that feels purposeful, personalized, and truly transformative.

Who are your workshops designed for?

Our workshops are designed for educators and school leaders, including teachers, instructional coaches, school administrators, and district teams. Each session is tailored to the specific audience to ensure content is relevant, practical, and immediately applicable.

What does a typical workshop look like?

Our workshops are interactive, engaging, and grounded in real classroom practice. Each experience is intentionally designed using the principles of andragogy, sound instructional design, and the core constructs of effective professional development to ensure relevance, coherence, and impact. Participants engage in discussion, reflection, planning, and application activities — not just passive listening. Educators leave with concrete strategies and next steps they can implement right away.

How long are your workshops?

We offer flexible formats, including half-day, full-day, and multi-session series. We can also design ongoing professional learning experiences to support sustained implementation over time.

What delivery methods are available for your workshops?

We offer flexible delivery options to meet the needs of schools and districts, including in-person sessions, live virtual workshops, and asynchronous learning through our applied learning platform. Regardless of format, all experiences are designed to be interactive, engaging, and collaborative, with structures that promote meaningful participation and application of learning.

What kind of follow-up support is available?

We believe professional learning is most effective when it’s sustained. In addition to workshops, we offer instructional coaching, implementation planning, and follow-up sessions to help teams translate learning into practice and drive meaningful results.

Who facilitates the workshops?

Inspired Instruction’s workshops are facilitated by a nationwide team of expert Instructional Strategists.  Our facilitators bring diverse experience as classroom educators, instructional coaches, principals, directors, and superintendents, spanning all content areas. We thoughtfully match your specific needs with a facilitator whose expertise aligns to ensure the learning experience is relevant, practical, and impactful for your staff.

How much does it cost to bring a workshop to my school or district?

We offer a range of pricing options designed to meet the needs of different schools and districts. Our Client Directors work closely with you to understand your goals, scope, and budget, and will partner with you to design a high-quality professional learning experience that fits within your financial framework.

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