Elementary Standards Based Report Cards

Standards based grading communicates how students perform on a set of clearly defined learning targets called standards. The purpose of standards based grading is to identify what a student knows, or is able to do, in relation to those learning targets as opposed to simply averaging grades/scores over the course of the grading period, which can mask what a student has learned or not learned. A standards based grading system also provides students with multiple opportunities to demonstrate learning.

Maryland has adopted Pre-Kindergarten–12 rigorous academic standards that define what all students should know and be able to do across grade levels and content areas. Standards based grading and reporting will provide more information to parents about their child’s progress regarding the Maryland College and Career Ready Standards (MCCRS). Parents, students and teachers will clearly understand what is expected. Parents and teachers will be better able to guide students, helping them to be successful.

Standards based report cards provide the level of proficiency on specific standards for each subject area. On many traditional report cards, students receive one grade for each subject. On a standards based report card, subject area is sub-divided into a list of essential skills and knowledge that students should know and be able to do. Students will receive a separate achievement indicator for each standard. The Maryland College and Career Ready Standards (MCCRS) describe what a student should know and be able to do BY THE END of the grade level.

Yes. Individualized feedback is an essential component of standards based grading. Effective feedback is a more useful source of information than simply assigning a numeric value or letter grade to student work. A goal of using standards based grading is to improve communication between students, parents, and teachers regarding student achievement.

The St. Mary’s County Report Card indicates how a student is performing on end of the year mastery expectations. A student is expected to progress towards meeting the standards over the course of the year. A student might begin the year performing at level “NY” or “PC” on some standards. A “PC” reflects normal progress and is expected as students continue to learn new content. The goal is for all students to be at level “SC” by the end of the school year.

Students are assessed using multiple techniques. Formative assessments occur during learning and may include, but are not limited to rubrics, observation, performance tasks, application activities, paper and pencil tasks as well as various summative assessments. Summative assessments occur after the learning has taken place. They measure student achievement, or mastery of standards, at a point in time.

Guides created by the National PTA and Greater Schools detail grade level expectations in Mathematics and English Language Arts. They also include ways you can support your child.

• National PTA Parents Resources Site
• Council of the Great City Schools
• For more information, contact your school principal.