New Grading and Assessment System Supports Student Progress

Beginning in the 2025–26 school year, USM’s Middle School will adopt a standards-based grading (SBG) system for students in 6th through 8th grade. This transition follows several years of research, faculty collaboration, and the successful implementation of SBG in 5th grade during the 2022–23 academic year. It also aligns with grading practices in USM’s Preschool and Lower School, as well as with many K–8 schools nationwide.

SBG focuses on measuring student progress toward clearly defined learning goals—called standards—instead of averaging scores from various assignments. Rather than receiving a single grade in a subject (like a B in math), students are assessed on specific skills, such as “solves multi-step equations” or “interprets data sets.” This approach provides clearer, more actionable feedback on what a student knows and is able to do.

USM’s Middle School leaders chose SBG to increase grading transparency, promote academic growth, and help students build the skills necessary for Upper School success. Teachers use skill-specific assessments to identify strengths and areas for improvement, allowing students to focus their efforts more effectively. Non-academic factors like effort or late work are reported separately, providing a more accurate picture of academic achievement.

“SBG came out of USM’s strategic plan to cultivate excellence in learning and honor the range of learners we have,” said Elaine Griffin, head of Middle School.

Under SBG, report cards will highlight progress in individual skills across subjects using categories such as “exceeds,” “meets,” “approaches,” or “needs support.” For example, an English grade will be broken down into areas like vocabulary, grammar, and reading comprehension, offering parents and students a more detailed view of learning progress.

To support a smooth transition to the traditional A–F grading system used in Upper School, 8th grade teachers will help students understand how their standards-based feedback would translate into letter grades. “Let’s support kids in having a true and transparent understanding of what they know,” said Griffin. “Then we can have heartfelt conversations about the habits they need to work on so they are prepared for Upper School.”

Elaine Griffin, head of Middle School (left) and Brad Dunning, assistant head of Middle School, spoke to parents in spring about the new grading system.