Several secondary campuses within Cy-Fair ISD are working with standards-based grading, a newer form of instruction that involves mastery of specific learning objectives.

"It's a new talk in the classroom, and it's definitely a different talk, but from what we're hearing from students and faculty, students have a better understanding of what the standard is and how they're doing," said Roy Garcia, associate superintendent for curriculum, instruction and school administration.

Under a traditional grading approach, if a student earns a score of 80 percent on a quiz about fractions, the reasons for the 20-point deduction are not made clear. With standards-based grading, there are several levels of proficiency—ranging from beginner to advanced—that give the student an idea as to what areas need more attention. Before a teacher begins to work with a student on a standard, the levels are identified, which might remove some of the subjectivity in grading.

"One might argue there is a difference in grading a math problem and an English essay, so there is still some subjectivity in grading those open-ended responses," said Mary Jadloski, assistant superintendent for secondary curriculum and instruction.

A student's grade point average should not be affected if they take a course that utilizes standards-based grading as opposed to a traditional course. Students also retain the same traditional six-week grading period.

"All this does is give the students a clearer target as to what they know, what they don't know and some ways to show they learned more, or to show a higher level of proficiency," Jadloski said.

Even though more high schools have implemented standards-based grading than middle or elementary campuses, the process works for any grade, level or subject area. Additionally, the system could help students better prepare for statewide standardized grading.

"A strong knowledge of how a student is progressing along the continuum of learning concepts is good and will help a student do well on STAAR exams, SAT, ACT and all other assessments," Jadloski said.

Standards-based grading will not be mandated at any of the campuses, she added.