Jericho
Union Free School District
PILOT ELEMENTARY REPORT CARDS
Why did the district change the elementary
report card?
In response to the Board of Education’s goal for improved
communication between school and home, the elementary level report cards have
been redesigned as a pilot. The new report cards reflect state standards and
current instructional strategies. The new trimester marking periods align with
the current state assessments. It is anticipated
that the new report cards will provide thorough feedback to parents. Also, it is important to note that the old
report card had not been updated in more than ten years and was obsolete. During
the 2002-2003 school year, we will solicit feedback
from parents and faculty and will continue to improve the form and content of
our new report cards.
What does the content key tell me about my child’s
progress?
In each marking period,
students’ grades will be determined by comparing and evaluating their progress
in relation to specific standards or levels of achievement. For example, for a
student to function at level 4, that student must demonstrate mastery in the
content or skill area. A child functioning at level 3 is meeting grade level
expectations in content or skill areas. A student functioning at level 2 is
successfully working toward grade level expectations. A student functioning at
level 1 is experiencing difficulty in the content or skill area. NE
indicates that specific areas are not being evaluated by the teacher during the
current reporting period.
The Personal/Social Development
area key is also based on four standard or levels of functioning.
Should I anticipate that my child’s grades in each
content area will change in each marking period?
It is
possible that a child’s grades will change in each content area according to
levels of achievement which a child demonstrates during a specific reporting
period. It is important to remember that in each curriculum area, content
requirements will change and/or increase in level of difficulty as the school
year progresses. Consequently,
a youngster who achieves a content grade of 3 (proficiency) in a particular
skill may receive a higher (4–mastery) or lower (2-development) grade the next
trimester depending upon the level of achievement attained in the skills being
taught during that trimester.
Will my child’s
teacher provide an explanation of the new grading system to the students where
age-appropriate?
Our youngsters are becoming more and more aware of
and comfortable with grading standards or rubrics. This awareness and comfort
will continue to increase. An
explanation of all grading standards or rubrics is provided to children according
to grade and curriculum areas.
Will parents receive
communication between reporting periods?
Open communication will continue to be ongoing
throughout the school year.
o Please
hold any questions for your Parent Teacher Conference.
o Please
remember to bring your copy of your child’s report card to the conference.
o To find out more information regarding the new
elementary school report cards, please access the district website at www.bestschools.org