setting up standards based grading in synergy

Lussy04

3 min read

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22-01-2025

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Meta Description: Learn how to effectively implement standards-based grading (SBG) in Synergy Education Platform. This comprehensive guide covers setup, configuration, and best practices for successful SBG implementation, improving student understanding and teacher efficiency. Enhance your grading system and boost student achievement with our step-by-step instructions and expert tips for Synergy.

Understanding Standards-Based Grading in Synergy

Standards-Based Grading (SBG) shifts the focus from points earned to mastery of specific learning objectives. In Synergy, this means configuring assessments and grading to reflect student proficiency on pre-defined standards. This approach provides a clearer picture of student learning and allows for more targeted instruction. Implementing SBG in Synergy requires careful planning and configuration. This guide will walk you through the process.

Preparing for Standards-Based Grading in Synergy

Before diving into the technical setup, ensure you have the following in place:

1. Define Your Learning Standards

Clearly articulate the learning standards your students need to master. These standards should be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART). Synergy's structure allows you to link assessments directly to these standards.

2. Design Assessments Aligned to Standards

Create assessments that accurately measure student understanding of each standard. This could include tests, projects, presentations, or other forms of evidence. Ensure your assessment design reflects the complexity and depth of the standards. Consider using a variety of assessment types to cater to different learning styles.

3. Establish Proficiency Levels

Determine what constitutes mastery (proficient), partial mastery (approaching proficiency), and a lack of mastery (not proficient) for each standard. These levels will be used to score student work in Synergy. Clearly define the criteria for each level to ensure consistent grading.

4. Train Your Staff

Proper training is crucial for successful SBG implementation. Ensure all teachers understand the principles of SBG and how to effectively use Synergy's features to implement it. Provide ongoing support and professional development to address challenges and refine practices.

Setting Up Standards-Based Grading in Synergy: A Step-by-Step Guide

The exact steps may vary slightly depending on your Synergy version, but the general process is as follows:

1. Create Standards in Synergy

Within Synergy, navigate to the section where you manage standards or learning objectives. This often involves accessing curriculum management tools. Here, you'll input each standard, ensuring clear and concise language.

2. Link Assessments to Standards

When creating assessments (assignments, tests, projects), link them to the relevant standards. Synergy should allow you to select standards directly from a dropdown menu when setting up each assessment. This crucial step connects student performance to specific learning objectives.

3. Configure Grading Scales

Set up grading scales to reflect your proficiency levels (e.g., Proficient, Approaching Proficiency, Not Proficient). Synergy might offer pre-built scales, or you may need to create custom scales aligning with your defined proficiency levels. Ensure these scales are accurately reflected in the grading rubric for each assessment.

4. Input Student Work and Grades

Once assessments are completed, enter student scores reflecting their proficiency level on each standard. Synergy's reporting features will then automatically aggregate this data, providing a comprehensive view of student mastery across all standards.

Utilizing Synergy's Reporting Features for SBG

Synergy offers robust reporting features that are especially valuable for SBG. These features allow you to:

• Track student progress: Monitor individual student mastery of each standard over time.
• Identify learning gaps: Pinpoint areas where students need additional support or intervention.
• Inform instruction: Use data to adjust teaching strategies and differentiate instruction.
• Communicate with parents: Share clear and concise reports showing student progress towards mastery of standards.

Best Practices for Standards-Based Grading in Synergy

• Regularly review and update standards: Ensure standards remain relevant and aligned with curriculum goals.
• Provide clear feedback: Give students specific, actionable feedback aligned to the standards.
• Use a variety of assessment methods: Gather evidence of student learning from multiple sources.
• Collaborate with colleagues: Share best practices and support each other in implementing SBG.
• Communicate transparently with parents: Explain the SBG process and its benefits to parents.

Conclusion: Optimizing Your Grading with SBG in Synergy

Implementing standards-based grading in Synergy requires planning and effort, but the benefits are significant. By focusing on student mastery of learning objectives, SBG offers a more accurate and informative picture of student learning. Synergy's tools streamline the process, enabling more effective teaching and improved student outcomes. Remember to consistently review and refine your approach to maximize the effectiveness of SBG within your Synergy environment. Through careful planning and utilization of Synergy's features, you can successfully implement standards-based grading and significantly enhance your assessment process.