Learning Targets Gradebook — I Can Statements, Mastery Tracking, and Evidence-Based Reporting
Learning targets-based standards-based grading centres the gradebook on discrete, student-facing "I Can" statements mapped directly to curriculum standards. Instead of awarding points on a homework assignment, teachers score students against specific learning targets (e.g., "I can solve multi-step equations with variables on both sides"). OpenEduCat's learning targets module manages the full workflow: target bank creation from standards, evidence collection, mastery determination, and standards-aligned report card generation.
Proficiency Scale
Evidence-based proficiency levels replace point totals and averages.
Student consistently and independently demonstrates the learning target. Evidence from multiple assessment types confirms mastery. No further instruction on this target is required. Mastery is displayed as a ✓ or "M" on the learning target report.
Student demonstrates the target in most circumstances with minor errors or occasional gaps. Close to independent mastery. Targeted reinforcement or one additional evidence opportunity is needed to confirm mastery.
Student is making progress toward the learning target but has not yet demonstrated consistent competency. Understands core elements but has significant gaps. Ongoing instruction and practice are needed.
Student is at the start of the learning progression for this target. Foundational understanding is present but the target skill has not been demonstrated. Explicit instruction with heavy scaffolding required.
No evidence has been collected for this learning target yet. Distinct from Beginning — No Evidence means the target has not yet been assessed, not that the student cannot demonstrate it.
What OpenEduCat Does for Learning Targets SBG
Learning Target Bank with Standards Alignment
Administrators build a target bank from curriculum standards, writing each target as a student-facing "I Can" statement: "I can identify the theme of a text using evidence from the text." Each target is linked to one or more curriculum standards (CCSS, state standards, or custom frameworks). Teachers select targets from the bank when creating assessments.
Evidence Collection Per Target
Every assessment item, project, or observation is linked to one or more learning targets. Teachers score each piece of evidence against the proficiency rubric (Mastery/Near Mastery/Developing/Beginning). Multiple evidence items per target are the norm — proficiency is determined by the pattern of evidence, not a single test score.
Mastery Determination Algorithm
The system determines mastery status using a configurable algorithm: most recent two evidence items at Mastery, or three of the last four at Near Mastery or above. Schools configure the threshold. The algorithm prevents single-test mastery from being permanent and single-test failure from persisting.
Standards-Aligned Progress Reports
Progress reports group learning targets by standard and display mastery status per target. A parent viewing their child's Math report sees "Grade 6 Ratios and Proportional Relationships: 4 of 6 targets mastered, 2 developing." Teachers can drill into the evidence behind each status.
Re-Assessment Tracking
SBG philosophy permits and encourages re-assessment when students demonstrate new learning. The system tracks all evidence attempts per target, prevents gaming (schools can set minimum time-between-attempts), and records the progression from Beginning to Mastery as a learning journey visible to teachers and parents.
How It Works in OpenEduCat
Build the Learning Target Bank
Curriculum coordinators write "I Can" learning targets aligned to curriculum standards. Targets are organised by subject, grade, and unit. The bank is reusable across teachers and academic years.
Teachers Design Evidence Opportunities
When creating a quiz, project, or observation rubric, the teacher selects which learning targets the evidence will assess. One assessment can address multiple targets.
Score Evidence Against Targets
After an assessment, the teacher scores each student's evidence for each targeted learning target: Mastery, Near Mastery, Developing, or Beginning.
Mastery Status Updates Automatically
The system applies the mastery algorithm to the accumulated evidence and updates each student's mastery status per target. Teachers see a live view of class-wide target mastery rates.
Generate Progress Reports and Transcripts
At reporting periods, the system generates parent-facing reports showing target mastery by subject and standard. For transcripts requiring grades, a configurable conversion table produces letter grades from mastery percentages.
Framework Alignment
Common Core State Standards (CCSS) | Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) | Custom state standards frameworks | CASEL SEL Framework (for social-emotional learning targets)
Module ID: oec-sbg-learning-targets
Frequently Asked Questions
Other SBG Approaches
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