Standards Based Grading

Standards-based grading (SBG) focuses on how well your child masters specific learning objectives, called standards. Here's a breakdown:

• Focus on Mastery: Instead of a single letter grade representing overall performance, SBG uses terms like "Meets Expectations" or "Exceeds Standards" to show how well your child has grasped each key concept.

• Clearer Communication: Specific learning goals are outlined, making it easier to understand what your child is expected to learn and how well they're achieving it.

• Targeted Support: By identifying areas where your child needs extra help, teachers can provide targeted interventions to ensure they reach mastery.

Overall, SBG aims to provide a more transparent picture of your child's learning journey and empower them to focus on mastering key skills.

Report Card Grades

The following are considered for a standards-based report card grade:

• Professional judgment supported by observational data and/or formative assessments.

• Multiple opportunities to provide evidence.  Students need to demonstrate consistency to prove mastery.

• More recent evidence

• Quality of evidence

• ​If there is not enough student work to accurately assess a student’s quarterly status toward meeting the benchmarks, the teacher may use the NA mark and explain the reason in the teacher’s comments.

​ME (Meets with Excellence)

In standards-based grading, "Meets with Excellence" signifies your child has not only achieved the core learning objectives (standards) but has surpassed them. Here's a breakdown of what "Meets with Excellence" typically means:

• Exceptional Understanding: Your child demonstrates a deep and thorough grasp of the key concepts, exceeding the baseline expectations for the standard.

• Independent Application: They can not only apply the learned skills in various situations but may also demonstrate creativity or innovation in their work.

• Going Beyond Expectations: "Meets with Excellence" suggests your child is actively pushing their learning boundaries and may be exceeding grade-level expectations.

Think of "Meets with Excellence" as hitting a bullseye when it comes to learning goals. It indicates your child has a strong foundation, can apply their knowledge effectively, and may even be demonstrating a passion or advanced understanding of the subject matter.

MP (Meets with Proficiency)

In standards-based grading, "Meeting Proficiency" signifies that your child has successfully achieved the core learning objectives (standards) set for a particular subject area or skill. Here's a breakdown of what "Meeting Proficiency" typically means:

• Solid Understanding: Your child demonstrates a strong grasp of the key concepts and can apply them effectively in various situations.

• Completes Tasks Independently: They can complete assignments and assessments without significant assistance, demonstrating their ability to use the learned skills.

• Meets Expectations: Their work fulfills the criteria outlined for the specific learning objectives.

Think of "Meeting Proficiency" as hitting the target when it comes to learning goals. It indicates your child has a solid foundation in the material and is well on their way to mastering the subject matter.

DP (Developing Proficiency)

In standards-based report cards, "Developing Proficiency" indicates your child is on their way to mastering the learning objectives (standards) but needs some additional support. Here's a deeper explanation:

• Progressing Towards Mastery: While they haven't fully grasped all aspects of the standard, your child demonstrates a developing understanding and can complete some tasks independently.

• Areas for Improvement: The report card might highlight specific areas where your child requires additional practice or clarification. This allows for targeted interventions from teachers and focused support at home.

• Not Struggling, But Not Yet Mastering: It's important to distinguish "Developing Proficiency" from struggling. Your child is actively learning and making progress, but may need extra help to solidify their understanding and consistently demonstrate mastery.

Think of "Developing Proficiency" as being close to the target but needing some adjustments. By working with teachers and providing support at home, your child can bridge the gap and reach proficiency in the learning objectives.

WB (Well Below Proficiency)

In standards-based grading, "Well Below Proficiency" indicates your child has a limited grasp of the key concepts and skills outlined in the learning objectives (standards) for a specific subject area or skill. Here's a breakdown of what "Well Below Proficiency" typically means:

• Limited Understanding: Your child may struggle to grasp the fundamental concepts of the standard or be unable to apply them in basic tasks.

• Requires Significant Support: They likely need significant additional instruction and practice to reach proficiency. The report card might recommend specific resources or interventions to bridge the gap.

• Needs Focused Attention: It's crucial to work with the teacher to understand the specific areas of difficulty and develop a plan for targeted support. This could involve additional practice exercises, individualized instruction, or identifying underlying learning challenges that might need additional resources.

Important Note: "Well Below Proficiency" doesn't necessarily signify a lack of effort or ability. It simply indicates your child needs additional support to reach the expected level of understanding. Working collaboratively with teachers and providing focused support at home can help your child improve their understanding and progress towards proficiency.

NA (Not Applicable at This Time)

No judgment can be made at this time.  No grade was given. A grade will be given by the end of the year.

SC (See Teacher Comments)

No grade is given and an explanation can be found in the teacher comment section.