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Standards Based Reporting at Gorham Schools |
A new Achievement Report (Report Card) has been piloted by several teachers (K-5) in our District during the 2007-08 school year. The new Achievement Report and reporting system will be implemented throughout Gorham during the 2008-2009 school year. The following questions and answers can help you to better understand the development of our new reporting system.
Why are we moving toward a new system?
Our state adopted the Maine Learning Results in 1997. These, along with district curriculum, identify the knowledge and skills that students are to possess. The primary purpose of our reporting system is to provide accurate information to parents and students about achievement in relation to these learning standards.
What is a reporting system?
Teachers use several methods in communicating with parents. These include:
Informal communications, such as notes or emails
Phone calls or meetings about specific concerns
Newsletters or classroom letters
Parent-Teacher-Student Conferences
Portfolios or samples of student work
Report Cards
All of these are part of a comprehensive reporting system. The reporting system provides a variety of information about academic, work habits and social development. Attendance, effort and work habits are reported separately - and are not factored into the student's achievement report.
How will we report on student performance?
The new Achievement Reports for Kindergarten through Fifth Grade will use a 4-point scale of individual achievement in relation to the standard. Progress is measured using a variety of formal and informal assessments. Progress is measured toward the end-of-year standards at this time.
What do the 4 points mean?
We have identified a set of work habits entitled:
Skills for Life. These are marked as follows:
4 = Consistently Demonstrates
3 = Usually Demonstrates
2 = Sometimes Demonstrates
1 = Rarely Demonstrates
These Skills for Life include listening, following rules, working well in groups and other skills essential for learning.
The Achievement Report also measures academic progress in the different subject areas as:
4 = Exceeds Standards
3 = Meets Standards
2 = Partially Meets Standards
1 = Does Not Meet Standards
Remember... The Achievement Report is completed in relation to the end-of-year standards, but based upon what teachers expect at each reporting time of the year!
Do these 4-points mean the same as a letter grade, such as A, B C or D?
The simple answer is 'No.' In a traditional system using letter grades, teachers often include homework, effort, class participation, attitude or other factors. In a standard based system, those factors are not a part of the Achievement score. Letter grades have also been used to compare students to one another. Again, a standard based system defines progress toward standards.
What if I have questions or concerns?
You will be asked for feedback about this system. We hope you will share your thoughts with us. We will use your input, and that of staff, to make final changes in the system and report card.
When can I expect this new report card?
Most teachers in K-2 will used the Achievement Report this year. Another group of teachers began the pilot in 3-5 this year. We hope to see a pilot card in use at grades 9 - 12 during the 2008-09 school year. Grades 6 - 8 will be developing the report card in 2008-09. At present, students in
grades 6 - 12 will also receive a letter grade/percentage as has been traditional.
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