Standards-Based Grading

Grades at OWL are based on standards and are not competitive or based on a “curve.” Learning targets (goals for skills, knowledge, and reasoning) guide classroom instruction and assessment. Throughout each course, teachers assess how far students progress towards achieving each learning target, informally and formally, through class discussions, written assignments, projects, tests, and other means. At the end of a unit of study, or expedition, the teacher translates progress towards learning targets (Novice, Developing, Proficient, or Exemplary) into a letter grade. For much more information, see the grading guide below.