WGU D184 Exam Study Guide: Key
Concepts & Tips 2026
1. How would you describe standards-based grading systems? - ANSWER ✔✨---A standard of
grading that tracks student progress towards and achievement of learning targets that are derived from
educational standards; grades reflect student mastery of the learning targets and are measured on
proficiency scales.
Which characteristics apply to standards-based grading? - ANSWER ✔✨---- Scores are reflected on
proficiency scales
- Grades reflect student mastery of a learning target.
-Teachers tailor instruction based on student achievement
Based on the percentage average of all grades or holistic grades - ANSWER ✔✨---traditional
grading system
Based on different proficiency levels of standards - ANSWER ✔✨---standard based grading system
Single grade given per course on report cards - ANSWER ✔✨---traditional grading system
,Grade based on most recent evidence - ANSWER ✔✨---traditional grading system
what are the defining characteristics of a standards-based grading system? - ANSWER ✔✨---
Standards-based grading is built around achievement level goals that are based on content-specific
benchmarks within academic subjects. A standards-based approach differs from traditional approaches
that are built around an average percentage of assignments, letter grades, or students' rank of
performance against the rest of the class. A standards-based system is highly beneficial to the student
because teaching and learning can be fine-tuned to the needs of each student rather than only a portion
of students in any given classroom.
Which explanation applies to the type of assessments used in a standards-based grading system? -
ANSWER ✔✨---Criterion-based assessments are used because students are measured against a
learning target (criterion) derived from an academic standard.
Which teacher approach would be most appropriate in a standards-based grading system?
A. The teacher notes that the student is proficient by marking a "3" on the four-point proficiency scale
for the assessment, noting that not all fractions have unlike denominators.
B. The teacher notes that the student is not proficient by marking the assessment a "2" on the four-
point proficiency scale and provides support to the student to help her learn how to find least common
denominators.
C. The teacher encourages the student to complete an extra-credit assignment by making a video about
why math can be fun to offset the poor grade earned on the assessment.
D. The teacher scores the assessment and gives the student a grade of 34 percent and urges the student
to reread the chapter in the textbook about adding and subtracting fractions. - ANSWER ✔✨---B.
The teacher notes that the student is not proficient by marking the assessment a "2" on the four-point
proficiency scale and provides support to the student to help her learn how to find least common
denominators.
With a clear understanding of student knowledge and next steps for progress, this stakeholder is
empowered to support the student in attaining goals and gaining confidence through encouragement
and guidance. - ANSWER ✔✨---Stakeholder
Unequivocal knowledge of instructional needs and useful interventions for each student will guide this
stakeholder's future instruction. - ANSWER ✔✨---Teacher
, Knowing their expectations and level of proficiency allows this stakeholder to set personal goals, make
improvements with practice, demonstrate knowledge by meeting expectations, and persevere through
challenges by continued effort. - ANSWER ✔✨---Student
Stakeholders need letter grades to understand a student's academic performance. True of false? -
ANSWER ✔✨---False
Which teacher response would help the parent understand standards-based grading report cards?
A. Sympathize with the parent and share the challenges they are having with standards-based grading so
the parent knows it is a difficult system for everyone
B. Review the report card and standards with the parent, explaining how the standards are assessed and
clarifying the grading scale that is used
C. Provide the parent with a percentage and letter grade equivalent for each subject area every nine
weeks
D. Explain to the parent that if their child has the highest number on the grading scale, it is the same as
having an A - ANSWER ✔✨---B. Review the report card and standards with the parent, explaining
how the standards are assessed and clarifying the grading scale that is used
True or False
Focus statements are important enough to be assessed multiple times at the school or district level to
determine the most accurate scores for individual students. - ANSWER ✔✨---False
Measurement statements are important enough to be assessed multiple times to determine the most
accurate scores for individual students. True or false? - ANSWER ✔✨---True
What purpose do focus statements and measurement topics serve in assessment? - ANSWER ✔✨--
-Rewriting academic standards as focus statements provides guidance for instructing students on
concepts and skills contained in the standard. These focus statements can be used to design specific
measurements topics used to create classroom assessments.
In standards-based assessment, what contains the important information from an unpacked standard
and is important enough to assess multiple times to determine student mastery?
A. Proficiency scale
Concepts & Tips 2026
1. How would you describe standards-based grading systems? - ANSWER ✔✨---A standard of
grading that tracks student progress towards and achievement of learning targets that are derived from
educational standards; grades reflect student mastery of the learning targets and are measured on
proficiency scales.
Which characteristics apply to standards-based grading? - ANSWER ✔✨---- Scores are reflected on
proficiency scales
- Grades reflect student mastery of a learning target.
-Teachers tailor instruction based on student achievement
Based on the percentage average of all grades or holistic grades - ANSWER ✔✨---traditional
grading system
Based on different proficiency levels of standards - ANSWER ✔✨---standard based grading system
Single grade given per course on report cards - ANSWER ✔✨---traditional grading system
,Grade based on most recent evidence - ANSWER ✔✨---traditional grading system
what are the defining characteristics of a standards-based grading system? - ANSWER ✔✨---
Standards-based grading is built around achievement level goals that are based on content-specific
benchmarks within academic subjects. A standards-based approach differs from traditional approaches
that are built around an average percentage of assignments, letter grades, or students' rank of
performance against the rest of the class. A standards-based system is highly beneficial to the student
because teaching and learning can be fine-tuned to the needs of each student rather than only a portion
of students in any given classroom.
Which explanation applies to the type of assessments used in a standards-based grading system? -
ANSWER ✔✨---Criterion-based assessments are used because students are measured against a
learning target (criterion) derived from an academic standard.
Which teacher approach would be most appropriate in a standards-based grading system?
A. The teacher notes that the student is proficient by marking a "3" on the four-point proficiency scale
for the assessment, noting that not all fractions have unlike denominators.
B. The teacher notes that the student is not proficient by marking the assessment a "2" on the four-
point proficiency scale and provides support to the student to help her learn how to find least common
denominators.
C. The teacher encourages the student to complete an extra-credit assignment by making a video about
why math can be fun to offset the poor grade earned on the assessment.
D. The teacher scores the assessment and gives the student a grade of 34 percent and urges the student
to reread the chapter in the textbook about adding and subtracting fractions. - ANSWER ✔✨---B.
The teacher notes that the student is not proficient by marking the assessment a "2" on the four-point
proficiency scale and provides support to the student to help her learn how to find least common
denominators.
With a clear understanding of student knowledge and next steps for progress, this stakeholder is
empowered to support the student in attaining goals and gaining confidence through encouragement
and guidance. - ANSWER ✔✨---Stakeholder
Unequivocal knowledge of instructional needs and useful interventions for each student will guide this
stakeholder's future instruction. - ANSWER ✔✨---Teacher
, Knowing their expectations and level of proficiency allows this stakeholder to set personal goals, make
improvements with practice, demonstrate knowledge by meeting expectations, and persevere through
challenges by continued effort. - ANSWER ✔✨---Student
Stakeholders need letter grades to understand a student's academic performance. True of false? -
ANSWER ✔✨---False
Which teacher response would help the parent understand standards-based grading report cards?
A. Sympathize with the parent and share the challenges they are having with standards-based grading so
the parent knows it is a difficult system for everyone
B. Review the report card and standards with the parent, explaining how the standards are assessed and
clarifying the grading scale that is used
C. Provide the parent with a percentage and letter grade equivalent for each subject area every nine
weeks
D. Explain to the parent that if their child has the highest number on the grading scale, it is the same as
having an A - ANSWER ✔✨---B. Review the report card and standards with the parent, explaining
how the standards are assessed and clarifying the grading scale that is used
True or False
Focus statements are important enough to be assessed multiple times at the school or district level to
determine the most accurate scores for individual students. - ANSWER ✔✨---False
Measurement statements are important enough to be assessed multiple times to determine the most
accurate scores for individual students. True or false? - ANSWER ✔✨---True
What purpose do focus statements and measurement topics serve in assessment? - ANSWER ✔✨--
-Rewriting academic standards as focus statements provides guidance for instructing students on
concepts and skills contained in the standard. These focus statements can be used to design specific
measurements topics used to create classroom assessments.
In standards-based assessment, what contains the important information from an unpacked standard
and is important enough to assess multiple times to determine student mastery?
A. Proficiency scale
