Utah State University DigitalCommons@USU All Graduate Theses and Dissertations Graduate Studies 5-2019 Standards-Based Grading: A Correlational Study Between Grades and End-of-Level Test Scores Tyler R. Poll Utah State University Follow this and additional works at: https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/etd Part of the Teacher Education and Professional Development Commons Recommended Citation Poll, Tyler R., "Standards-Based Grading: A Correlational Study Between Grades and End-of-Level Test Scores" (2019). All Graduate Theses and Dissertations. 7435. https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/etd/7435 This Dissertation is brought to you for free and open access by the Graduate Studies at DigitalCommons@USU. It has been accepted for inclusion in All Graduate Theses and Dissertations by an authorized administrator of DigitalCommons@USU. For more information, please contact [email protected]. STANDARDS-BASED GRADING: A CORRELATIONAL STUDY BETWEEN GRADES AND END-OF-LEVEL TEST SCORES by Tyler R. Poll A dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY in Educational Leadership Approved: Courtney D. Stewart, Ph.D. Max L. Longhurst, Ph.D. Major Professor Committee Member Susan A. Turner, Ph.D. Michael Freeman, Ph.D. Committee Member Committee Member Robert W. Wagner, Ph.D. Laurens H. Smith, Ph.D. Committee Member Interim Vice President for Research and Interim Dean of the School of Graduate Studies UTAH STATE UNIVERSITY Logan, Utah 2019 ii Copyright © Tyler R. Poll 2019 All Rights Reserved iii ABSTRACT Standards-Based Grading: A Correlational Study Between Grades and End-of-Level Test Scores by Tyler R. Poll, Doctor of Philosophy Utah State University, 2019 Major Professor: Courtney D. Stewart, Ph.D. Department: Teacher Education and Leadership The purpose of this research study was to investigate the relationship between standards-based grades and end-of-level SAGE test scores. By using end of term grades, the researcher evaluated the correlation between grades and end-of-level SAGE test scores, the impact on student learning through the student growth percentile, and the differences in grades and test score data dependent on curriculum content area and years of teaching experience. Grade and SAGE data from the 2016-17 school year were obtained from the school district assessment department. The researcher analyzed the data using frequency histograms, multiple independent samples t tests, bivariate scatter plots, and linear regression models. In general, the independent samples t tests showed standards-based grades and traditional grades are both moderately correlated with student performance on the end-of-level SAGE tests. However, an examination of specific areas showed students who participated in standards-based classrooms earned higher grades, iv scored higher on the end-of-level SAGE tests, and showed higher learning growth when compared to their peers who participated in traditional graded classrooms. Overall, the results suggested standards-based grading as a positive option for educators to consider for their grading practices. Therefore, educational leaders should consider providing standards-based grading professional development for their teachers to help benefit student learning and promote accurate grading practices. (143 pages) v PUBLIC ABSTRACT Standards-Based Grading: A Correlational Study Between Grades and End-of-Level Test Scores Tyler R. Poll As students move from grade level to grade level and onto college, their grades have an impact on the number of opportunities available to students. The competition for entering college and earning a scholarship are at an all-time high and the grades students earn have a direct impact on future opportunities. Grading practices vary by teacher causing students’ grades to mean different things. Standards-based grading practices focus on removing teacher bias and puts emphasis on the learning students can demonstrate. Students are given assessments to determine learning and are given multiple opportunities to show what they have learned. Emphasis is placed a student’s most current knowledge rather than an average of scores during the grading period. This study focused on how student learning was impacted when secondary math, science, and language arts teachers use standards-based grading practices in their classrooms. Student learning was measured by term grades and end-of-level SAGE test scores. Results show students who attended a classroom with standards-based grades earned higher GPAs, performed better on the end-of-level test, and had more learning growth over the course of the school year, than their peers who participated in traditional grading classrooms. vi ACKNOWLEDGMENTS The opportunity to further my education and participate in this learning process would not be possible without the many positive influences I have had in my life. First, I would like to thank Dr. Joe Matthews for encouraging me to pursue my doctoral degree. Although he retired early in my doctoral program, he left me in the excellent hands of Dr. Courtney Stewart. Dr. Stewart is an amazing educator, advocate, and friend. I hold him in the highest esteem possible. I would like to thank my teachers for dedicating their lives to teaching and Drs. Susan Turner, Robert Wagner, Max Longhurst, and Michael Freeman for serving on my doctoral committee. They have each influenced me positively in different ways. I express appreciation to Dr. Logan Toone and Bryce Barth for their help with data. I am grateful for my classmates, especially Jennifer Throndsen, for the positivity and motivation. A big thanks to my colleagues and district leaders for the support and interest in my project. Thank you to my parents for teaching me the importance of education and for their support. I am grateful to my children who have sacrificed more than I ever would want them to. Most of all, I am grateful for my wife Lindsey, who has been supportive since day one and has carried more than her share of the load. Tyler R. Poll vii CONTENTS Page ABSTRACT ................................................................................................................... iii PUBLIC ABSTRACT ................................................................................................... v ACKNOWLEDGMENTS ............................................................................................. vi LIST OF TABLES ......................................................................................................... ix LIST OF FIGURES ....................................................................................................... x CHAPTER I. INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................ 1 Statement of the Problem ................................................................................. 7 Purpose ............................................................................................................. 8 Research Questions .......................................................................................... 9 Assumptions ..................................................................................................... 10 Scope and Limitations ...................................................................................... 10 Definition of Terms .......................................................................................... 10 Significance of the Study ................................................................................. 11 Conclusion ........................................................................................................ 12 II. REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE .................................................................. 13 Student Learning .............................................................................................. 14 1965 Elementary and Secondary Education Act .............................................. 15 A Nation at Risk ............................................................................................... 16 No Child Left Behind Act ................................................................................ 16 Common Core .................................................................................................. 17 Race to the Top ................................................................................................. 18 Assessment Overview ...................................................................................... 19 Grading ............................................................................................................. 24 Standards-Based Grading ................................................................................. 34 Grades Versus High-Stakes Testing Scores ..................................................... 46 Conclusion ........................................................................................................ 47 III. METHODS ....................................................................................................... 48 Research Questions .......................................................................................... 49 viii Page Research Design ............................................................................................... 50 Setting ............................................................................................................... 50 Participants ......................................................................................................