The purpose of any system of reporting is to strengthen the home-school partnership and inform parents/ guardians of the progress their child is making toward grade-level benchmarks. Benchmarks increase over the course of the year (what a student is expected to know and do in November is different from what a student is expected to know and do in June). Therefore, it is possible for a student to meet a benchmark in November, but not meet the same benchmark in March. Maintaining the same grade from one marking period to the next means the child demonstrated growth in the indicator or skill.
Our report cards are given out three times per year: November, March, and June. They are designed to inform you of your child’s progress in relation to the grade level standards, as well as their social-emotional growth at the time that the report cards are released. Final grades are based on June grades, not an average of the trimesters. Homework can be considered part of the effort grades but is not used to grade academic achievement as the function of homework is to provide practice in skill areas in elementary school.
Report cards are reported on a 4-point (1-4) performance level scale at the time report cards are released. Level 1 indicates that a student is performing well below standards. Level 2 indicates that a student is approaching standards. Level 3 indicates that a student has met standards, and level 4 indicates that a student excels in or exceeds standards. Specials classes use a pass/fail grading system.
These grades are based on the observable behaviors of your child, and they are designed to be informative. The comments section of the report card offers attainable goals for your child. Together, the two portions of the report card should give you a picture of where your child is and the direction in which he/she should be going.
Reading grades will be determined using a combination of the TC Running Record Assessment, mid and end-of-unit reading assessments, teacher conferences, classroom discussions during book clubs, read-aloud sessions, and /or partner conversations.
Science grades will be determined using a combination of independent and group classwork and classroom discussion.
Music grades are based on each student’s level of participation and understanding of the art’s content and concepts.
Students are expected to exhibit appropriate behavior during all classes to facilitate their own learning as well as the learning of classmates.
Writing grades will be determined by on-demand assessments for each unit and independent classwork. We utilized Teachers College Writing Pathways in alignment with the TC Reading units, as well as student work and discussions while conferring with the teacher and working in small groups.
Students are assessed on their conceptual understanding, precision and accuracy, and the ability to solve problems in multiple ways and explain solutions. Math grades will be determined by using a combination of assessments and independent and group classwork, including contributions to class discussions and math talk.
Visual art will be assessed based on the development of craft, active engagement and persistence, expression, and the ability to question, explain, and evaluate.
Physical fitness grades are based on each student’s level of participation in physical activity and demonstration of ability in age-appropriate movement, control, and fitness skills.
Social studies grades will be determined using a combination of independent and group classwork and classroom discussion.