As you begin your first year at Branson, you’ll become familiar with a new grading system known as objectives-based grading. OBG is used in all entry-level, ninth-grade classes. For those in non-entry-level classes, such as Geometry or Spanish II, you will receive regular letter grades in those courses. 

So, how does it work? 

Each class you take will have multiple objectives that are graded via a four-level scale. The levels are Beginning, Developing, Proficient, and Advanced, ranked from lowest to highest respectively. The goal is to hit Proficient. 

Oftentimes, you will have opportunities to reassess objectives to boost your score, since your understanding of the topic is expected to improve throughout the year. 

At the end of each semester, your OBG grades are translated into letter grades and put on your transcript. This calculation is based on the number of Proficients or Advanceds  you have compared to developings and beginnings. The exact number often varies from class to class. So, check in with your teacher for more precise information. 

The goal of OBG is to help you learn and grow. By relying on language rather than letters or numbers to evaluate skills, it clarifies expectations. And by focusing on the process over the outcome, it can help ease the stress you may be feeling as you transition to high school. While it may feel confusing now, your teachers are here to help. Don’t be afraid to reach out to them or another adult should any questions or challenges come up.