Dear
Parents,
As we begin to prepare for the distribution of the first report card of the new year, I would like to take this
opportunity to share a little information about the process that our teachers
will be using to determine students’ grades.
As
you may know, the state of Massachusetts has recently adopted the Common Core
Standards to replace the former Massachusetts Curriculum Framework. As a result, the district is in the process
of reviewing our curriculum to ensure that it aligns with the Common Core
Standards. As a result of the changing
standards, we anticipate making changes to our report cards in the future so
that they more closely reflect the skills that are being taught in the
classroom.
For
the current school year, teachers have been asked to report progress on
each standard listed on the report card based on the instruction that has been
provided through each of the marking periods for each skill. For example, if a report card standard reads,
“adds and subtracts up to 4 digit numbers” and the student has only practiced
this skill with “2 digit numbers” during the first trimester, the grade on the
child’s first report card of the year will indicate mastery of the skill up to
that level (2 digit numbers). The
skills, as they are listed on the report cards, reflect end of the school year
expectations. Your child’s grade may
change each trimester as the expectation for skills increase.
It
is also important to remember that number grades do not translate into
“traditional letter grades”. Instead,
each number grade reflects the progress your child is making toward meeting
each standard. The numbers are as
follows:
·
4 – Exceeds
grade level standard – Student consistently performs above the grade
level standard. Student is
self-motivated and independently grasps, applies, and extends key concepts and
skills.
·
3 – Achieves
grade level standard – Student consistently demonstrates proficiency in
meeting grade level standard. Student
grasps and applies key concepts and skills with limited errors and minimal
teacher support.
·
2 – Nearly meets
grade level standard – Student demonstrates understanding of basic
concepts and skills. Performance is
characterized by the ability to apply skills with increasing success. Performance varies in consistency with regard
to accuracy, quality, and level of support.
·
1 – Below grade
level standard
– Student is not achieving and/or not progressing toward the grade level
standard. Student does not demonstrate
understanding of basic concepts and skills.
Interventions support the student in progressing toward the standard.
·
X – Standard not
addressed
We
believe that your understanding regarding what is expected of your child and
how he/she is progressing towards the goals at the current grade level is
important. Please don’t hesitate to contact
your child’s teacher or the administration if you have questions or concerns.
Sincerely,
Debra
Swain
Principal
