1. New Elementary Report Card A Transition to Standards-Based Grading
October 28, 2013
Birmingham Public Schools …
Inspiring learners through educational excellence
for a lifetime of global opportunities.

2. Presentation Overview
New Elementary Report Cards
WHY was a change made?
HOW was the change processed?
WHAT can parents expect at report card time?
Where can parents get more information?

3. New Elementary Report Card
WHY was a change made?
• Feedback from Teachers, Administrators, Parents
New Method for Marking Report Cards, Deliver Electronically to Parents
• Shifts in Requirements for Learning
Common Core State Standards, District Expectations
• Report Cards Measured Progress in 4 Discrete Points
Needs Improvement, Beginning, Developing, Secure
• PDF Form for Completing Cards, Manual Network Storage
Supporting Evidence of Student Progress in Grade Books, Paper, and Other Means

4. New Elementary Report Card
HOW was the change processed?
• Elementary Report Card Committee
Parents, Teachers, Administrators – All Buildings and Grade Levels
• Update Current K-5 Report Card
Interface with PowerSchool, Parent and Staff Readiness Plan, Support Staff
• Move to Standards Based Grading
Growing National Practice, Clear Expectations, New Achievement Levels
Below, Working Toward, Meeting Most, Mastering Standards
• Year-Long Work in Progress for Teachers
Please Be Patient with Us!

5. New Elementary Report Card
WHAT can parents expect at report card time?
• Shift from Four Marking Periods to Three
Report Cards - Grade Level Classroom Teachers (3), Unified Arts Teachers (2)
• First Report Card Delivered Home November 18th
Paper-Based Report Cards, NWEA Scores, Parent NWEA Tool Kit
• New Report Card Format
Academic Progress Indicators (NO GRADES), Social/Emotional Progress Indicators
Standards-Based Approach, Focus on Broad Content Standards
Individual Comments by Subject Area
• Online Parent Support Materials
Link On Our District Homepage (SOON)

6. New Elementary Report Card
Web-Based Support Information for Parents

7. New Elementary Report Card
We Believe:
• Standards-Based Grading is Good for Our Students
Clear Learning Targets, More Accurate Measure of Progress Toward Mastery
With Supporting Records, Parents Can See Where Students Need Additional Help
• Standards-Based Grading Will Benefit Your Children
• SBG Will Provide Greater Focus for Our BPS Teachers
• Parents Will View Student Progress via a New Report Card
Greater Insight, More Detailed Comments, PowerSchool-Based (Portal Next Year)
Our first report card will be sent home on November 18th.
(BCS 3/4 will be on November 11th)

8. Focus On Improving Learning for All Students
Birmingham Public Schools …
Inspiring learners through educational excellence
for a lifetime of global opportunities.