In recent years, many states have changed the way elementary schools inform parents about their children’s progress. Instead of receiving traditional report cards with grades from AF to 4, elementary students take home standards-based report cards with numerical marks from 1 to 4 for each subject area (each divided into multiple categories). or receive it digitally).
What do the numbers on my report card mean? Each state has a set of standards (skill categories) for what students are expected to learn in each grade. Schools and school districts create curricula based on these standards. Standards-based report cards show progress toward mastery of those standards. Simply put, these marks represent the student’s progress in writing the report for each criterion being measured.
This type of report card usually has a legend that explains the meaning of each number. It looks like this:
Four Exceeds advanced/grade standards
3 Proficient/meets grade level standards
2 Approaching basic/grade standards
1 below basics/does not meet grade level standards
Standards-based scoring measures subject matter by dividing it into smaller skill categories. Each category is a concept that is taught and must be mastered by the student by the end of the grading period. Example: In a math subject, criterion-based grading might indicate a student’s progress in the category “I can find the sum of two-digit numbers” as a 1. This means the student is not meeting grade level standards. at the time the report card is issued.
This type of measurement/grading system is unlike any report card you’ve ever seen (or received in elementary school). Here are some things to keep in mind.
- Numeric scales do not (and are not intended to) convert to traditional letter grade scales. For parents who are used to grade notation, it can be confusing to understand that a 4 does not equal an A and a 3 does not equal a B. Rather, these numbers indicate how students are progressing toward mastering grade-level standards (based on the above) as of each report card.
- If you get a 1 or 2 early in the school year, don’t worry too much. Since this type of report card measures progress, it makes sense that students might receive 1s and 2s on their report cards at the beginning of the year. They should move up the scale throughout the school year as they build new knowledge and develop skills.
- This type of report card supports student learning with clear communication. One of the biggest benefits of standards-based report cards is that they spell out exactly what students need to learn by the end of the school year. Each report card gives you a clear picture of your child’s development in each subject area.
- Student grades (marks) are objective. Your child’s grades indicate their academic performance in school as they relate to grade level standards. Grades are based on a student’s mastery of a skill, allowing teachers to see where students need help and where they are making progress.
Other skills measured on report cards
Many standards-based report cards assess areas such as classroom behavior, self-control, study skills, effort, and teamwork/cooperation with other students. These will likely be measured using scales similar to those used in academic disciplines. It looks like this:
Four exceed expectations
3 meets expectations
2 sometimes meets expectations
1 Expectations are rarely met
Bad report card? Call Huntington for tutoring support
What if your child’s report card shows that they are struggling to catch up and aren’t making as much progress as they would like? Let’s talk to your teacher first. You can help explain where your child is demonstrating relevant knowledge and skills at this point in the school year, and where they are falling behind. Standards-based report cards identify specific areas of strength and weakness.
If your child needs additional help outside of the classroom to reach grade-level standards, tutoring provides your child with the attention they may not get in a crowded classroom, which is important for elementary school students. If a student is not making sufficient progress toward mastering grade-level standards; tutor It can make a huge difference. Standards-based report cards identify student weaknesses and areas for improvement, so tutoring can target and strengthen those specific skills.
Huntington’s tutor This program is designed to equip students with the foundational skills to thrive in these challenging academic environments. We begin with an academic assessment of each student to determine their individual needs. We then develop programs that help students learn the skills, tools, and knowledge to improve their performance and meet any challenge with confidence. Whether your elementary school student needs help with reading, writing, math, science, study skills, or more, we can help your child reach their full potential.
Call (512) 886 0101 to learn how Huntington Learning Center at Georgetown can support your students this school year.