Parent Guide to Report Cards

In 2016-2017 Albany County School District #1 will switch from a mixture of grading systems to the 1-4 rubric standards-based system. This is an explanation of the system as we know it. If more details are released then we will post them here.

What is standards-based learning?

Standards-based learning focuses a student’s learning on the essential outcomes for a class, or how well the student understands and can apply the key material in class. At the beginning of every unit, the teacher will break down the outcomes for the unit into smaller components and criteria using a detailed rubric. During the unit, the student is frequently assessed to gauge understanding and application of the material. Teachers will use a variety of assessments, such as traditional pencil-and-paper tests, projects, discussions, or reports. The class grade will be based on all of the evidence the teacher collects demonstrating a student’s mastery of the essential outcomes.

The goal of this approach is to provide the teacher, student, and parent as accurate a picture as possible of the student’s learning and to encourage a conversation about how the student can master the material for the class. In particular, because learning is a process that takes place over time, the teacher will provide feedback to the student about what to focus on next, and the student will be allowed to show improved learning over time by being reassessed. If the new evidence shows a higher level of mastery, that new score replaces the old one.

How is standards-based learning different from traditional grading?

In the traditional 100-point grading system, a student’s grades are typically based on all of the work assigned in class, including classwork, homework, projects, quizzes, and tests. These scores are often arranged in the grade book based on the type of assignment rather than on the essential outcomes

for the class. The grade may also include points for non-academic factors, such as participation, effort, or attitude. Standards-based learning looks at how well a student has mastered the essential outcomes, so the grade book does not separate out tests, homework, or projects. Instead, all of the work a student does is used to assess the student’s mastery of the essential outcomes. A student’s scores from their work are tracked by essential outcomes

that give the teacher, student, and parent a very detailed picture of each student’s learning. Non-academic factors like behavior, attitude, and attendance are not included in the outcome grade but are recorded and reported separately.

What are the benefits of using standards-based learning?

It is the belief of ACSD#1 that standards-based grading will be more accurate, consistent, meaningful, and supportive of learning for their students. This is one of the main goals of any education establishment, and ACSD#1 believes that switching to this grading system will be a step toward fulfilling those goals for the benefit of both parents and students.

Accurate:

By basing a student’s grade solely on academic factors, the teacher creates a clear picture of what the student has learned without the influence of other factors. These other factors, such as effort and attitude, are still essential, but are not part of the student’s academic grade and are communicated separately.

Consistent:

For each unit of study (i.e. math, language, etc.), the teacher will provide a rubric with the student's progress report at the beginning of the year that describes exactly what the student will need to master that year. The rubrics establish clear expectations for mastery that are easy for parents to understand and reference for each report card and progress report.

Meaningful:

A meaningful grade is one that clearly communicates what learning has taken place. In a standards-based classroom, scores are recorded by the essential outcomes rather than by type, such as tests or homework, making it easier to identify areas of strength and to address areas of concern for each student.

Supportive of Learning:

This approach supports learning by focusing on the material that has or has not been learned rather than on accumulating points to reach a certain total. The reassessment policy also supports student learning by allowing new levels of learning to replace old when a student shows improvement on an outcome.

What does the number scale (4, 3, 2, 1) on the rubric mean?

The scores on the scale represent a learning continuum and are NOT equated to grade point average. Each of the levels builds on the others and explains the learning students have to demonstrate in order to earn a score (See the rubrics provided below). Students must demonstrate proficiency as they move up the scale. For example, a student may not earn a 3 until they demonstrate proficiency in the level 2 concepts or skills. The scale designations are as follows:

4–The student demonstrates an in-depth understanding of the material by completing advanced applications of the material.

3–The student demonstrates proficiency in the complex, targeted knowledge and skills for the subject.

2–The student understands the foundational material but is still working to master the application of the concepts and skills

1–The student is unable to demonstrate an understanding of all of the foundational material

Sometimes the standards will only go from 1-3 in the rubric. This means that there are no advanced applications of the material covered by that standard.

Are non-academic factors, such as effort, attitude, participation, and behavior part of the class grade?

These factors have always been and will continue to be an important part of every student’s success. However, in standards-based learning, these factors will be communicated separately from the student’s academic grade.

These rubrics are what ACSD#1 has released at this time. If they choose to modify them we will post the new rubrics as soon as possible.

Rubrics by grade:

Kindergarten

Kindergarten Math Rubric

Kindergarten Language Rubric

1st grade

1st Grade Math Rubric

1st Grade Language Rubric

2nd Grade

2nd Grade Math Rubric

2nd Grade Language Rubric

3rd Grade

3rd Grade Math Rubric

3rd Grade Language Rubric

4th Grade

4th Grade Math Rubric

4th Grade Language Rubric

5th Grade

5th Grade Math Rubric

5th Grade Language Rubric

6th Grade: ACSD#1 does not grade 6th grade on the Standards-Based reporting system Laramie Montessori School does at this time, and the rubrics are found on the report card along with the standards.