SCHOOLS: New Report Cards A 'Huge Step Forward' [with video]
Florence Roche Interim Principal Elizabeth Garden introduced several changes to report cards, changes based on feedback from parents saying, "We received lots of feedback." These changes allow teachers to give a more nuanced, a more finely calibrated view of student performance. In particular the new letter grade 'E' has been added indicating whether a student is 'exceeding' base level standards rather than just meeting the standard.
Evaluation of social skills is much more finely-tuned in the new card. Under each of four social skill categories: 1. Works cooperatively; 2. Shows respect for others; 3. Demonstrates self control; and 4. Demonstrates problem-solving skills, teachers can now rank behavior by one of three classes: 1. Needs improvement; 2. Some of the time; and 3. Most of the time.
In the old card format teachers were limited to making comments just once a year, while in the new card teachers can comment during each of the three trimesters.
Principal Garden highlighted changes in the format and wording of the 'Benchmarks' section of the card, saying that the old benchmarks section was 'very wordy' and difficult for 'both teachers and students' to understand. She said, "We worked to simplify it and make it a more user-friendly document." She explained that parents had been confused and frustrated by the use of the letter 'P' in the benchmarks section, the letter 'P' meaning the child was making progress towards meeting year-end goals. Because parents felt the 'P' classification (for 'Progressing') did not give an accurate sense whether a student was meeting expectations, an additional letter grade 'M' was added, meaning that a student was on track to acquire the desired skills by year-end.
So, for example, a student might receive an 'M' grade for the first trimester, meaning the student was meeting expectations and was on track , while in the next trimester, the student might receive a 'P', meaning that the student was still progressing or might be struggling a bit, needing more focus on the particular skill.
Report cards are now posted on the school website and are also sent to parents directly via email. Any parent without electronic access will receive a hardcopy of the report card.
Member John Giger commented, saying, " I think this is a huge step forward. I'm jealous of the people who get this for their children. It allows the parents to be so much more engaged." Interim Superintendent Anthony Bent added that these new report cards "are very cutting edge."
