It occurred to me that there are many people who have never seen nor heard of a standards-based report card before. We are all very familiar with A, B, C, D, F averages, but, do those averages really tell us anything about students' understanding? Are those averages true reflections of the material we cover in class? Well, instead of averaging the grades accumulated over time, standards-based report cards reflect a "snapshot" of where students are in their understanding of concepts at the end of each grading period. Therefore, parents and teachers have a tool to guide further instruction.
You may be asking yourself, "What does a standards-based report card look like?" Well, a it looks like a grid. There are four columns (one for each grading period). There are bolded categories, such as Math, Reading, Writing, Social Studies, Science, and Behavior. Under each category, there are rows of TEKS (Texas Essential Knowledge & Skills). If a specific TEK is not covered during the first grading period, the box is shaded gray.
How do teachers fill out standards-based report cards? While looking at the data they have collected on each student's progress, teachers go down the column for the proper grading period and score each student from 1-4 on each of the TEKS: 1) Below Benchmark, 2) Approaching Benchmark, 3) Meets Benchmark, or 4) Exceeds Benchmark. Remember, there are many different ways to use standards-based report cards (some score students from 1-3), so it depends on the format your district selects. It is important to explain to parents that a 4 does not equal an A. This method of grading is completely different. 3s are good grades. To earn a 4 is rare because it means the student is able to apply the skill/standard to many different concepts.
The reason this way of grading makes more sense for the elementary grade levels is because it gives parents and teachers data to work with. To give a second grade parent a sheet of paper that says "Math: 88" makes no sense. They want to know where those 12 points went! Well, this style of report card explains to them exactly which standards their child has mastered and which ones they still need work on. Parents can look down the column and determine what they need to focus on with their child at home. They can also look into the future to see what will be graded during the next grading period. Teachers can use this "snapshot" as a guide for the next grading period.
This report card can be a wonderful tool if used. Some teachers argue that parents may not care enough to go over the report card, much less study with their children at home--kids are lucky to get their homework done. I think this reflects the teachers... Explain the significance of the data they will receive each grading period. If parents aren't taught how to read it, it can be quite overwhelming. Who wants to go to the trouble of filling out an extensive form for someone who may not use it? Take the time to hold a parent night where you address their questions and show them how to use the standards-based report cards as a tool. Explain that they can really help their kiddos by choosing a few TEKS to concentrate on at home. TEKS build on each other and the concepts become more complex, so if parents become involved at the elementary level, they can really help their children develop a sound foundation.
I will upload a sample standards-based report card as soon as I can! We used them at my previous campus, so I am waiting on a copy to be sent my way. Coming soon!
