Grading Update

Newsletter Format follow the link: https://5il.co/172q1

Powerschool Tutorial Link: https://5il.co/1h0mg

Profile of a Graduate Link: https://5il.co/1h0mh

Standards-Based Grading 


Pk-5 Grading Change
As we approach the end of the third quarter we are excited to reveal our new report card. Our hard work on identifying district standards in Math are now ready to be measured. Students will be scored on each of the priority standards inside the classroom. The standards-based approach allows our students regular practice of the skills before assessment and measurement of content mastery. This enables teachers to adapt and reteach lessons to support varying student levels.  We also see the progression of learning as students improve their skills on a scale of 1-4. Receiving a 3 indicates the student is on grade level and performing at expectation.  

The standards help us improve our method of delivery and instruction. They allow both teachers and students the opportunity to adjust during the process of learning. The immediate feedback prompts student reflection and teacher growth. This process promotes mastery of skills for long-term retainment and development of skills through a progression over years. Math, Science, and Social Studies are our first subject areas you will notice this grading change. Reading will be assessed on our traditional grading scale until we develop those district standards.  

K-12 Profile of a Graduate- 5 Pillars of Success

We, at Linton Public School, are pleased to announce an exciting new approach in helping to create a holistic student, the Linton Public School Profile of a Graduate.  In addition to helping students reach their academic potential, we feel it is equally important to help our students reach their full human potential as they leave our school and take on the challenges of the world.  To help guide our students through their growth, we have developed 5 Pillars to our Profile of a Graduate that we feel are critical to student success: Critical Thinking, Citizenship, Responsibility, Collaboration, and Resiliency.   

Not only will these pillars be posted in classrooms and within our school walls, but they are also implemented in PowerSchool and will be shared out on our report cards to all students, K-12.  In order for student growth to occur, it is critical to give students and parents consistent feedback on progress through PowerSchool.  Student feedback on their progress towards proficiency of the Profile of a Graduate is completely separate from their academic reporting, and it will be reported on a standards-based scale of 1-4 rather than the traditional grade reporting of an A through an F.   Each week, students will be assessed by teachers on their proficiency in each of the 5 pillars.  Students start with a score of 3, which represents the proficiency expectation for each pillar.  When the semester report card is run, PowerSchool will pull the final 3 scores assigned by each teacher and calculate a final score.  Parents can log into PowerSchool throughout the semester to check weekly updates on their student’s progress.  Included in this letter is a universal rubric that will be used for students in grades 6-12, giving examples of what proficiency looks like for each respective pillar. This letter also contains parent instructions to check PowerSchool progress.  

Understanding Standards 

How is my child doing Traditional vs. Standards? 

If you’re confused by what the levels mean, don't worry we're here to help! Keep in mind that a 3 or “meets grade level expectation” isn’t the same as a B. It means your child has met state standards, and that’s good.  Also, even top students can earn a 2 or “approaching grade level expectation” grade, which can be a shock for some families. But it’s more important to know if your child is struggling with a concept and to see the progression of learning that is occurring. Keep in mind, that early low scores aren’t averaged into the final grade—so once your child masters the concept, their final grade shows that.  Level 4, “exceeds grade level expectation”, maybe the trickiest to understand. If your child earned A’s on traditional report cards, they may have received them for meeting the teacher’s requirements, not necessarily for excelling at or going beyond grade level according to state standards. In the new system, 4’s may be harder to come by (and 3’s should be celebrated).  As the grading system becomes familiar, you’ll get more comfortable. The important thing is that your child is learning and making progress. Celebrate learning, and the grades will follow.