Improving student outcomes is not just about adopting a new grading model. It is about helping teachers give better feedback, helping students understand what success looks like, and helping families stay connected to actual learning. Standards based (or competency based) grading does all of that when it is implemented with care.
The challenge is that a lot of systems ask schools to make the jump all at once. That is where Alma takes a different approach. We support the practices you have right now, and give you tools to grow into a fuller standards based model over time.
Alma meets you where you are
Every school is in a different place with grading practices. Alma supports traditional grading and standards based grading at the same time. That means you can:
- ⮕ Run a pilot in one class or department
- ⮕ Move an entire grade level to standards based grading
- ⮕ Transition the whole school once there is buy in
You should decide your pace. Alma keeps the structure consistent.
Make learning visible for teachers and students
Standards based grading only works if teachers can do it quickly. Alma’s gradebook is designed for K–12 teachers who are tracking evidence of learning.
- ⮕ Standards can be created and aligned to courses.
- ⮕ Performance scales are easy to apply.
- ⮕ Teachers can see student progress at a glance.
- ⮕ Feedback is connected to the actual standard, not just to an assignment.
When teachers can grade against learning targets, they can give better feedback. Better feedback leads to better student performance.
Connect grading to parent communication
One of the biggest challenges in moving to standards based grading is helping families understand what the new scores mean. Alma helps schools tell that story.
- ⮕ Parents can see progress in clear language.
- ⮕ Communication stays inside Alma so everyone sees the same information.
- ⮕ Events, assignments, and messages are in one place which reduces confusion.
When families understand how their student is progressing, they can support learning at home. That is a direct path to stronger outcomes.
Growing from pilot to practice
Here is a simple rollout path we see work well:
- Pilot in one course or team that is already interested in SBG.
- Collect evidence from Alma on student progress and teacher experience.
- Share wins with staff and leadership.
- Expand to additional grades or departments.
- Standardize reports and parent communication so it feels cohesive.
Alma supports every step in that sequence so you do not have to swap tools partway through.
Tying it back to student outcomes
Standards based grading helps improve student outcomes because it makes learning visible. When teachers can see which standards students have not yet mastered, they can re-teach. When students know what proficiency looks like, they can self correct. When families see progress clearly, they can support.
Alma’s job is to make that level of clarity possible without creating extra admin work.
