Grading

Holly Springs Elementary
Standards Based Grading Parent Presentation Meeting
September 2004 

(Please click HERE for a Standards Based Grading explanation of P, 1, 2, 3, 4)

1. How does this translate when the child moves on to middle school?  Or out of the county, state? Currently there is no plan in place for Standards Based Grading in the middle schools.  However, there are some middle schools embracing the best practices that support grading to the standards.  We are aiming for consistency in grading practices throughout the elementary schools within the county.
2. What was the overall cost to change to the new method? None
3. Where has this been successful? There were 27 schools within the system that piloted Standards Based Grading prior to this year.
4. Where has this method failed? Based on the research Standards Based Grading has been successful.
5. Why couldn’t the prior system be used and just ask teachers to provide better comments? The new report card was developed to align with the new laws and policies such as the NC Student Accountability Standards and WCPSS Promotion policy.
6. What made “consistent grading” difficult using this system? Using this system actually lends itself to more consistency in grading.
7. Shouldn’t level 3 also show “evidence of application”? Not only 3*? Absolutely
8. Will WCPSS make an assessment in a future year to determine if this has been successful?  How will they be assessed?  Possibly   
9. If a 4 score is unassisted, how are you going to encourage or help the 3’s become 4 or at least strive to achieve more?  Opportunities for students to achieve Level 4 will be available to all students.
10. I have a copy of the connections for grade 3- I would like a copy of the assessment card or sheet.  The assessment profiles are designed specifically as an instructional tool for teachers use.  The connections sheet is an overview of the curriculum.
11. I would like a copy of the target objectives. The target objectives are available upon request.
12. If a child is missing specials due to pull-outs, how is this graded? This situation is addressed on a case-by-case basis.  Prior to students being pulled out all scenarios have been examined closely and agreed upon by all stakeholders.
13. I would like a copy of the target objectives.  Available upon request
14. Can parents get a copy of the objective sheet?  Yes Comment:  It is frustrating to come to a program such as this one and not be allowed to ask questions on the spot.
15. Can the parents have copies of the verbage & rubrics for grading?  Yes, this information is available upon request.
16. Do the objectives line up with the pacing guides? NC Standard Course of Study? Trailblazers?  Yes, as much as possible.  The Curriculum & Instruction Staff at WCPSS worked with a team of teachers to align the objectives. However, please note that it is not a perfect match.
17. Are the students going to have to relearn computation once they hit the middle school?  Because to my knowledge they do not have Math Trailblazers.  No,  computation is on-going.
18. Can I get a copy of the verbiage – ie. DPP, DAB, etc.? Yes, this information is available on the website mathtrailblazers.com  and nctm.org
19. Can I get a copy of the Standard Course of Study on Math Trailblazers? Information about Math Trailblazers is available at mathtrailblazers.com  The North Carolina Standard Course of Study is available at www.NCPublicSchools.org
20. The new grading system language is very complex.  How can we explain the system to our children in kid friendly terms?  For instance Sarah came home this week stating she would no longer be getting A’s in school, only B’s.  I am learning the new system myself, therefore I’m not sure how to address her concerns. A chart has been made available to teachers to assist students with understanding the new standards.  However, continuous exposure throughout lessons and activities will also help students to grasp the concept.
21. Is this Standards Based Grading only applicable for elementary school students? i.e.: Is the plan to introduce it this year at the elementary school level and then in the future at middle school, high school? Standards Based Grading is currently in the elementary schools.  We are not aware of a plan for implementation into middle schools.
22. How does Standards Based Grading if at all account for students who do not yet “test well” but are able to display application of concepts and possible curriculum enrichment? Best instructional practices will continue to be a part of all students’ instructional plans for academic achievement and growth.
23. How are the newly adopted standards going to better prepare students for post-secondary education?  Students will become partners in the process for academic planning.  They will be able to assess their own learning.
24. Are these standards more closely aligned with progress to post-secondary education? We are focusing on elementary academic needs.  As with all academic systems, the goal is to prepare students for academic success.
25. Will there still be an “honor roll” type recognition to reward performance? Opportunities for students to celebrate their success will be incorporated with our character educations goals and activities throughout the year.
26. How close will the Standards Based Grading reflect potential year end grade testing? Evidence of students’ academic achievement will be reflected in their daily and quarterly work.   This growth will be evidenced over a period of time.
27. Is the overall quarterly assessments an average of what they have scored on the individual proficiencies? No, there are no averages in Standards Based Grading.
28. Kindergarten Team grade level representative Sophelia Jones reported, “there were no questions from our parents about Standards Based Grading’.  Kindergarten
29. First Grade Team grade level representative Heather Green reported, “there were no questions that were related to Standards Based Grading.” First Grade