K-2 Standards Based Report Card Information
Burke County Public Schools is excited to provide parents with a new way to report progress for kindergarten, first and second grade students. Students will be evaluated using a standards-based report card. A standards-based grade reporting system is designed to inform parents about their child’s progress towards achieving specific learning standards. The standards are based on the Georgia Standards of Excellence. Standards-based instruction focuses on the mastery of grade level standards. Students have the entire year to master the grade level standards. The report card provides a snapshot in time of a student’s progress towards meeting the standards. The standards-based report card provides parents with information on where their child is currently in the progress of meeting grade level standards. Unlike a traditional report card, scores are not averaged as the year progresses. Instead, the standards-based report card provides parents with real time information each quarter on their child’s progress towards meeting end of the year standards.
What is the purpose of the standards-based report card?
The purpose of the standards-based report card is to provide feedback that is more detailed to parents regarding the progress their children are making towards specific standards at each grade level. The report card allows parents and students to understand more clearly what is expected at each grade level. With this understanding, parents will be better able to guide and support their child, helping him/her to be successful.
What standards were taught and assessed this quarter? Below are the lists of each grade level standards. The bolded items on the lists are the report card headings. The standards marked in yellow are the standards which were taught and assessed this quarter.
What performance levels will be used to evaluate my child’s performance?
The student’s academic achievement, behaviors and work habits are evaluated using a standards-based level of performance. Teachers use the academic performance levels listed below to evaluate a student’s current level of performance.
What do the report cards look like?
How will I receive the report card?
Why is there a blank box following a standard on the report card, what does this mean?
How will promotion be determined for my child?
Students who score a 2 or a 3 in Language Arts and Math on the 4th quarter report card will be promoted to the next grade level. The purpose of standards-based instruction is for students to master the grade level standards by the end of the year. Therefore, standards based report card scores are not averaged like traditional report cards. Instead they show the students current level of proficiency at points during the school year.
Is it possible for my child to score a 3 on a standard one quarter and then a 2 the next?
The primary level is based on a developmental model where learning is valued as a process. A major characteristic of elementary assessment has always been the daily interaction throughout the process of learning. Standards-based report cards better provide for in-depth communication on the continuum of learning. All students are expected to establish mastery of the standard by the end of the school year. The criteria for meeting the standard may change every nine weeks as the performance expectations of the standards become more rigorous each quarter.
Is a “3” the same as an “A”?
A 3 level does not indicate an “A” grade. It indicates that your child has met the grade level expectations; this may be something that occurs only in some standards but not all, and it may not happen until the very end of the school year.
Is my child in danger of failing if they score a 1 or a 2 this quarter?
A score of 1 indicates the student has minimal understanding and does not meet grade-level expectations at this time. An assessment score of 2 indicates the student is progressing toward the standard. Once a student demonstrates understanding of concepts and skills and the ability to apply skills with accuracy and quality, he or she would receive a 3. The move from a 1 to a 2 to a 3 can take place at any point during the school year and is very student specific. Teachers will provide additional support for students who are currently not meeting the standards. The goal is for all students to achieve grade level standards by the end of the school year.
Why was the report card changed to the standards-based report card?
The report card was changed to provide more information to parents about student progress on the Georgia Standards of Excellence. On a traditional report card, students receive one grade for reading, one for math, one for science and so on. On a standards based report card, each of these subject areas is further expanded by a list of skills and knowledge students are responsible for learning. Students receive a separate mark for each indicator.
How does the standards-based report card compare to the traditional letter grade system?
Standards-based report card reporting is different from traditional letter grade reporting. Letter or numerical grades are often calculated by combining how well the student met a teacher’s expectations, how the student performed on assignments and tests, how much effort the teacher believed the student put in and how the student is doing in comparison to classmates. Letter or numeral grades do not tell parents which skills their child has mastered or where he or she is working at grade level. The standards-based report card measures how well an individual student is doing in relation to the grade level standards, not the work of other students. It gives parents a better understanding of their child’s progress and encourages all students to do their best.
Does this new system place more emphasis on daily interactions between teacher and student as opposed to standardized scores?
Neither traditional nor standards-based report cards rely solely on standardized test scores. A major characteristic of elementary assessment has always been the daily interaction throughout the process of learning. Standards-based report cards better provide for in-depth communication on the continuum of learning.
Can you further explain the scores for me?
A “3” indicates the student has proficient understanding and meets grade level expectations. We want all of our students to reach a level “3.” A student receiving a “3” is right on track with our high academic expectations. A “3” is something to be celebrated!
A “2” indicates the student has basic understanding and is partially proficient at meeting grade level expectations. A student receiving a “2” understands the basic concept or skill, but has not yet reached the proficient level. A “2” should indicate that the student’s performance varies in consistency with regards to accuracy, quality, and level of support.
A “1” indicates the student has minimal understanding and does not meet grade-level expectations. Performance is inconsistent even with guidance and support. Students receiving “1” will need additional support and/or interventions to learn the materials and progress toward meeting standards.
If I have a question about the new report card or my child’s scores, whom should I contact?
Parents should contact their child’s teacher to set up a conference to discuss questions about their child’s progress. Contact the school for specific questions about the report card.