Report Cards

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