The Framework for Mastery-Based Learning 

Background and Rationale

Grain Valley Schools is a mastery-based learning district, where student learning is driven by a clear focus on standards and demonstrated proficiency. By placing learning standards at the core of instructional design, teachers establish a coherent framework that guides all aspects of lessons and assessments. This intentional alignment ensures that instruction is purposefully connected to what students need to know and be able to do, which is instrumental in achieving substantial improvements in educational outcomes.

Impact on Learning

Mastery based planning ensures that every lesson directly addresses essential learning outcomes, giving students a clear understanding of what they're learning and its relevance. We simplify complex ideas into scaffolded steps, making learning more attainable and individualized. This method allows students to monitor their own advancement and become active participants in their educational development.

Impact on Assessment

When our assessments are directly connected to learning standards, we can accurately measure your student's progress toward key learning objectives. This means grades truly represent what your student knows and can do. This consistent approach across all classes also gives students clear benchmarks and actionable feedback, empowering them to understand how to grow and refine their skills.

Grading for Mastery and Growth

Back in 2012, a dedicated group of teachers and school leaders at Grain Valley Schools began a deep dive into our grading policies. We wanted to make sure we were using the most effective and evidenced-based methods to evaluate student learning. This collaborative review highlighted that to ensure our assessments were truly accurate, fair, and reliable, a change was necessary.

With the school committee's approval, Grain Valley Schools moved away from the traditional 100-point grading system and adopted a mastery-based assessment system. This means we now assess students based on their demonstrated proficiency with clear learning targets for every course. These objectives were thoughtfully created by referencing the Missouri Learning Standards and other national standards, ensuring they are consistent and align with state expectations.

Our Purpose of Grading

Grain Valley Schools’ purpose of grading is to assess student progress and mastery of learning standards, provide meaningful feedback to students and parents, and communicate necessary information to all stakeholders.

Our Five Commitments to Effective and Meaningful Student Learning: 

1. Feedback is specific, transparent, and aligned with the skills and knowledge students need to master

2. Academic achievement is reported separately from behaviors

3. Achievement is organized and reported by standards on a proficiency scale

4. Scores are based on a body of evidence

5. Students have multiple opportunities to demonstrate proficiency

To learn more about each commitment, please use the links in the sidebar.

Based on the works of educational researchers, including Thomas Guskey, Robert Marzano, Ken O'Connor, Doug Reeves, Rick Stiggins, and Rick Wormeli.