WeehawkenSchools.net | @WeehawkenTSD Standards-Based Report Cards for Daniel Webster School (K-2) October 20, 2016 #WeeLearn WeehawkenSchools.net | @WeehawkenTSD

HOW LEARNING IS EXPERIENCED Traditional Grading Paradigm Results Standards-Based Grading Paradigm Learning is expected to be error-free-mistakes are punished Reinforces fixed mindset (I’m just not smart) Defines learning as hard and frustrating, but achievable Reinforces growth mindset Students are judged with grades while still learning Fear of failure Mistakes are a natural part of learning Learned optimism Perseverance Failure is a judgment and a validation of ability Struggling students avoid learning Teacher rescues struggling learners Learned helplessness Lack of understanding is a puzzle, not a validation of being dumb Struggle is good-BUT with support Students’ beliefs empower them to achieve

Grading Vision The purpose of this report card is to communicate to parents, guardians, and students, ongoing achievement towards grade level state standards. It identifies students’ levels of progress with regard to state standards, areas of strength, and areas where improvement is need.

What is Standards-Based Instruction and Assessment? Focuses on children’s progress with specific skills Skills align to the New Jersey Student Learning Standards Instruction is connected to these standards Students are assessed in terms of meeting these standards

Report Card Sample

Rubrics Rubrics will be used to evaluate progress towards the standard at the end of each trimester Rubrics will be used by all teachers Rubrics will be posted online for parents Data collection for each standard will be used to determine a student’s progress Trimester NS AS MS ES 1 Identifies 11 or fewer letters Identifies 12 to 17 letters Identifies 18-39 letters Identifies 40+ letters 2 Identifies 17 or few letters Identifies 18 to 39 letters Identifies 40 to 51 letters Identifies 52 letters 3 Identifies 39 or fewer letters

SBRC in Action English/Language Arts T1 T2 T3 Sara is a first grade student. On assessments during the first trimester, Sara recognizes 65 of the 100 first grade sight words. As Sara’s teacher, what proficiency level would you say she has earned on the report card? English/Language Arts T1 T2 T3 Reading Standards: Foundations Skills Recognizes sight words Key for Proficiency Level ES=Exceeding the Standard Extends key concepts, processes, and skills. Consistently works beyond grade-level benchmarks. MS=Meeting the Standard Consistently grasps and applies key concepts, processes, and skills. Meets stated grade-level benchmarks. AS=Approaching the Standard Beginning to grasp and apply key concepts,processes, and skills. Area of concern that requires support. NS=Needs Support Not grasping key concepts, processes, and skills. Area of concern that requires support.

Now Try Scoring with the Rubric……. Sara is a first grade student. On assessments during the first trimester, Sara recognizes 65 of the 100 first grade sight words. As Sara’s teacher, what proficiency level would you say she has earned on the report card? Recognizes Sight Words Trimester NS (Needs Support) AS (Approaching Standard) MS (Meeting Standard) ES (Exceeding Standard) 1 Student recognizes 0-40 sight words from the first grade list Student recognizes 41-69 sight words from the first grade list Student recognizes 70-100 sight words from the first grade list Student consistently recognizes all 100 first grade sight words with automaticity and within context

What are the benefits of Standards-Based Report Cards? Creates consistency across districts in assessing learning goals that are aligned with the NJ Student Learning Standards Isolates specific strengths and challenges of the students Allows for more differentiated instruction and enrichment Communicates academic progress more clearly with parents Increases consistency among teachers and grade levels

How can I use the report card to help my child succeed? Access the rubrics on our school website to help you understand your child’s proficiency levels Focus on a few areas of strength and a few areas for growth when talking with your child Do not think of the report card in terms of translating to the traditional grades! Reach out to your child’s teacher for specific strategies

Parent Training Information posted on website-report cards, rubrics, etc. Back to School Night PTA meeting in the fall Additional questions can be directed to Teachers, Supervisor of Elementary Education, & Principal.