Which form of grading allows teachers to assess students against a common standard?

Standard-based grading is focused on evaluating students based on their mastery of specific standards or objectives. This method provides a clear benchmark for what students should know and be able to do at each grade level. It allows for a more objective assessment of student performance by measuring their understanding and skills against established criteria, rather than comparing them to one another, which promotes a more individualized learning experience.

In contrast, norm-referenced grading compares a student's performance to that of their peers, which can create a competitive environment and does not necessarily indicate whether individual students have achieved mastery of the content. Descriptive grading gives qualitative feedback, which may not align with specific standards, and implicit grading lacks a formalized structure, making assessment inconsistent. Standard-based grading ultimately supports clarity and fairness in evaluating student achievement.