Standards-Based Grading Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the grading policy in SFUSD?

Student grades are determined by the teacher of the course, which is aligned with California Education Code and SFUSD’s agreements with labor partners.

What happened to the grading policy at the May 27 Board of Education meeting?

At the May 27 Board of Education meeting, SFUSD presented a proposal for a professional development opportunity in standards-based grading. There was no action taken at the meeting. No changes to grading practices have been adopted by the district or Board of Education.

Why is SFUSD considering standards-based grading?

Over the past few years, school leadership teams have been learning a lot about fair and balanced grading practices. Research and examples from schools across the country show that these practices help students do better academically. Grades vary a lot between different teachers and classes. This can make it hard for students and parents to know what to expect or understand how grades are determined. Schools want grading to be more consistent, clear, and fair for everyone.

What is standards-based grading?

At the core of standards-based grading is the idea that grades should reflect what students know and the learning that they can demonstrate. It is based in the belief that there is not one way to learn, and there is not one way to measure learning. Key features of standards-based grading include:

• Raises academic rigor by emphasizing content mastery over point accumulation or behavioral compliance.
• Homework is for practice, not performance; feedback is encouraged, but grades may not always be assigned.
• Reflects real-world expectations by valuing performance over practice and allowing for learning from failure (e.g., bar exam retakes, multiple drafts of work products).
• Does not mandate retakes; teachers retain discretion to offer limited opportunities for revisions to promote mastery.
• Does not eliminate traditional letter grades (A–F); it recommends using a 50–59% floor for an F to avoid disproportionately skewed averages.
• Does not change how attendance policies factor into grading, which is determined by SFUSD Board Policy 6154 and California Education Code 48205.

What does this mean for students and how their classes are graded?

By contract, teachers have autonomy over their grading practices. This proposal was for an optional professional development opportunity for teachers to examine their own grading practices and provide the best learning experience for our students. Participation of teachers in the first year would likely have entailed optionally choosing only one aspect of standards based grading to implement (e.g. rubrics, retakes, etc.) and studying the impact of this one practice on the classroom. 

Does standards-based grading mean it is easier for all students to earn As in their classes?

Standards-based grading doesn’t necessarily mean it will be easier to earn As — it means grades are based on how well a student understands the material, rather than things like effort or turning work in on time. In fact, it can sometimes feel more challenging because students need to actually show they’ve mastered the skills or content, not just complete assignments. But the good part is that students get clear feedback and chances to improve their understanding, so they have a fair shot at earning a higher grade by truly learning the material.

Is standards-based grading happening in SFUSD next year?

SFUSD has paused its plan to centrally offer this professional development opportunity to teachers for the 2025-26 school year. The grading policy in SFUSD remains unchanged.