Rethinking What Student Success Looks Like - How to Measure Student Success Beyond Grades
- Ashley Hendricks
- Mar 22
- 3 min read
Updated: Mar 27
When we think about student success, most people’s minds jump straight to grades or test scores. Maybe even attendance or who made the honor roll that quarter... and that's not your fault.
Unfortunately educators are measured on student success through standardized testing—mainly because those scores are treated as a reflection of their performance, based on district and state benchmarks. As if a test score could ever capture the day-to-day effort teachers pour into their students’ growth.
But we all know that couldn’t be further from the truth.
Because the truth is success shows up in a lot of ways—and not all of them fit neatly in a report card.
What does real student success look like in a mindful and student centered classroom?
Let's start with - How do Students bounce back after setbacks or failures?
A successful classroom has a culture where trying, failing, and learning from failure is normal. Where students aren't afraid to make mistakes—because they know that doing is where their learning happens.
Success might look like:
A student who took a breath instead of shouting when they got frustrated.
One who asked for a break instead of throwing their pencil.
A quiet “Can I try again?”
This is emotional regulation. That’s growth.That counts.
It’s the disengaged student who finally raises their hand.
Maybe they’ve been scared to speak in front of others. Maybe they’ve shut down after a tough previous year.
But today, they raised their hand. They showed up with courage. That’s confidence in action—and it matters just as much as a correct answer.
It’s learning to care—about others and themselves
Success also looks like the quiet “I’m sorry” after bumping into a classmate. It’s the kid who notices someone sitting alone and invites them over. It’s the student who writes in their journal, “I’m proud of myself today.”
Kindness. Empathy. Self-worth.
No standardized test can measure those things. But they shape the kind of humans we’re helping raise.
So How to Measure Student Success Beyond Grades?
We look at the WHOLE picture.
Yes, grades are part of it. But so are -
Emotional awareness
Responsible decision-making
Focus and perseverance
Positive relationships
The confidence to try again
And sometimes success is just showing up and doing your best on a tough day.
A Mindset Shift for Administration and Educators ..
Next time you’re checking student progress and how to measure student success beyond grades, ask yourself:
“How are they growing as a person - not just achieving?”
“Where did I see effort, courage, or care today?”
When we widen the lens, we catch so many more wins. Because success doesn't look the same for every student.
And when we take the time to notice the small wins, the mindful choices, the quiet growth, and the little moments of connection—we show our students that who they’re becoming matters just as much as any grade or test score.
This is the kind of success that sticks!
To help bring this mindset shift into everyday practice, I created a free reflection discussion guide for teachers. It’s perfect for personal journaling, staff PD, or grade-level team meetings. Use it to spark conversation, reflect on student growth beyond academics, and reconnect with what truly matters.
Download the “Rethinking Student Success” Reflection Sheet
Downloadable Parent Reflection Sheet
It’s perfect for family engagement, parent-teacher conferences, or as an SEL support resource in newsletters or take-home folders. Let me know if you want it branded or formatted as a printable PDF!
Comments