Standards Based Learning in the World Language Classroom

Ever wonder what Standards Based Learning (SBL) can look like in a language classroom? How do you assess? Can I assign letter grades? My colleagues aren't using this, but can I? I don't want to change all the work that I've done, maybe it's not for me...

Have no fear, I can answer all your questions ease any concerns. Any World Language teacher can use this document to transition to using SBL in their classroom. I created and found HUGE successes with skill-based assessments and rubrics to grade them. The end of the unit assessments are broken into reading, writing, speaking, and listening tests which allow for more accurate understanding of students' proficiency, and allow for specific feedback for improvement.

There are 6 rubrics: vocabulary, grammar, reading, writing, speaking and listening.
The rubric has 4 categories "exceeds standards," "meets standards," "working towards standards," and "not meeting standards" (along with a suggested grading percentage if needed) and the language for what qualifies for each position differs for the type of the assessment it is being used for. I provide an explanation for how to grade using each of these types of rubrics.

This zip file provides:

-A PDF with:

----a narrative about why I transitioned to SBL in my Spanish classroom

----how to use a KUD (Know, Understand, Do) chart

----how to format and assess vocabulary and grammar quizzes and end of unit, skill-based assessments

----assessment rubrics and how to grade using them

----additional resources for things like TPRS, comprehensible input, Stephen Krashen, etc.

-2 PDFs with example assessments for Realidades A 2A and Realidades B 7A

-An editable writing and speaking feedback checklist

Please note that SBL assessments are NOT provided, but examples are given. Examples are in Spanish aligned with Realidades A/B (1).