Cottonwood-Oak Creek School District uses Standards-Based Grading (SBG) in Grades K–6 to ensure grades reflect students' learning and mastery. SBG provides a consistent and accurate way to measure student achievement against Arizona’s academic standards.

Arizona State Standards

Arizona’s academic standards outline what students should know and be able to do at each grade level. Our instruction and assessments are aligned with these standards to ensure students meet grade-level expectations.

Arizona Department of Education – Academic Standards

SBG in the Classroom

• Clear Learning Objectives
  Teachers in SBG classrooms will clearly communicate learning objectives to students at the start of instruction.

• Aligned Assessments
  Assessments—including Common Assessments—are designed to measure student mastery of specific learning objectives.

• Regular Feedback
  Teachers provide regular, specific feedback to students on their progress toward mastery.

• Opportunities for Reassessment
  Students will have opportunities to demonstrate mastery through reassessments when appropriate.

Proficiency Scales: Measuring Mastery

Instead of averaging scores over time, students are assessed based on their current level of proficiency:

• 4 – Exceeds: Student independently applies knowledge beyond grade-level expectations

• 3 – Meets: Student demonstrates mastery of the standard independently

• 2 – Approaching: Student is progressing but still requires teacher support

• 1 – Needs Intervention: Student requires significant support to develop an understanding

A score of "3" indicates that a student has met expectations for their grade level and is considered proficient.

Traditional vs. Standards-Based Grading

Traditional Grading:

• Combines test scores, participation, homework, and behavior into a single grade

• Averages scores over time, even if a student improves

• Includes extra credit and non-academic factors

• Does not clearly show which skills a student has mastered

Standards-Based Grading (SBG):

• Measures only academic proficiency in specific standards

• Focuses on the most recent and consistent evidence of learning

• Reports behavior, work habits, and responsibility separately

• Provides clear feedback on what students know and where they need support

Using SBG, families receive a clear and accurate picture of student achievement while ensuring grades reflect actual learning.

Skills to Promote Learning and Development

In the Skills to Promote Learning and Development section of the report card, students receive feedback on:

• Responsibility – Turning in work, being prepared

• Classroom Behavior – Following rules, showing respect

• Work Ethic – Staying on task, completing assignments

This ensures that academic grades reflect actual learning while still holding students accountable for classroom behavior.

Common Assessments & Data-Driven Instruction

COCSD teachers use Common Assessments aligned with Arizona standards to measure student mastery. These assessments provide consistent and reliable data to guide instruction and ensure all students receive the support they need.

Teachers also use Illuminate DnA to track assessment data and adjust instruction based on student performance.

Parent Resources

For a deeper understanding of how grades reflect student learning, check out:
COCSD Family Guide to Standards-Based Education (K–6)

If you have questions, please contact your child’s teacher or school administrator.