PowerSchool

PowerSchool is the transition to online reporting.

One of our primary communication tools is the PowerSchool App, which allows us to track your child’s growth and learning progress. Over the past several years, Linton Elementary has made a significant effort to transition to a standards-based grading system. We recognize that this shift can be confusing, but it is an effective way to support our students' understanding of the learning standards. To assist you, we have created several tutorials that walk you through the ways to check grades online, helping you navigate both the app and the website. We highly recommend using the website version of PowerSchool, as it offers the most comprehensive information for tracking updates on your child’s progress.

Tutorials:

Log into PowerSchool App: K-12: https://5il.co/2z3hc

Check Standards on the App: K-5: https://5il.co/2z3he

Check Standards on the Website K-5: https://5il.co/2z3hd

Pillars of a Graduate Grades: 6th-12th: https://5il.co/2z3hd

Understanding Standards & the Levels of Standards

  1. Understanding the Levels:

    • Level 4 (Exceeds Grade Level Expectation): Your child demonstrates a deep understanding and applies knowledge in innovative ways. This is challenging to achieve and indicates exceptional performance.

    • Level 3 (Meets Grade Level Expectation): Your child is on track and meeting state standards. This is a strong performance and should be celebrated, as it indicates they understand the material well.

    • Level 2 (Approaching Grade Level Expectation): Your child is getting closer but may need additional support or practice to fully grasp the concepts.

    • Level 1 (Does Not Meet Grade Level Expectation): This indicates that your child is struggling with the material and may require targeted interventions.

  2. Comparison to Traditional Grading:

    • A “3” does not equal a B; it means your child is meeting the expected benchmarks for their grade level.

    • High-achieving students might still receive a “2” if they haven’t fully mastered a particular concept, emphasizing that mastery takes time and practice.

  3. Focus on Growth: The standards-based approach emphasizes progress over time rather than averaging scores. Early challenges won’t negatively impact final grades if your child demonstrates mastery later on.

  4. Celebrating Success: It's essential to recognize and celebrate the achievement of a “3” and aim for a “4” over time, keeping in mind that learning is a journey.

As you become more familiar with this system, it will become easier to interpret your child’s progress and understand the emphasis on mastery and growth. Celebrate learning, and the grades will follow. If you have any specific questions about your child’s performance or how to support their learning, feel free to ask!