Grading Scale

NSD uses the standards-based grading scale for elementary students. By 5th grade, most students and families have been familiar with this system.

These grades represent knowledge over the school year. Some standards may not have been taught to completion and/or students will have more opportunities to demonstrate understanding as the year progresses.

Here is some information on how the system works:

  1. Standards-Based Grading: What Parents Need To Know

  2. What is Standards-based grading?

On our report cards you will see this scale:

In my class and practice, this is how I view our grading scale:

4 = Knowledge and work level exceeds far beyond the expectations for 5th grade. This student has knowledge of concept(s) / production of work on par with teacher expertise; can easily teach and help peers understand concepts and identify mistakes.

3 = Knowledge and work level is right at level for 5th grade. Student understood concept(s) after explanation with little to no errors in understanding or production of work.

2 = Knowledge and work level is steadily progressing towards 5th grade level work. Student is mostly understanding the concept(s) and needs just a bit more guidance.

1 = Knowledge and work level is not meeting 5th grade expectations. Student does not understand the concept(s) and needs much more guidance.

A few things that are important to know:

  • The 4-3-2-1 scale does not easily correlate with percentage grades.

  • A students score is a combination of work production, work ethic, and understanding of the concept(s).

  • A "2" does not represent failing. "2" is easily thought of as "almost there"

  • A "4" is not the equivalent to an A+, it represents very advanced knowledge

Progress Reports:

Y = 3 and above. Your students is making sufficient progress and is on grade level for the subject.

N = 2 and below. Your students is almost there and is not at grade level yet.

If your student is performing at a 1 in any area, I would have already notified you before progress reports went out.

For Behaviors that promote learning, on our report card you will see this scale:

In my class and practice, this is how I view our behavior scale:

C = This happens every day

O = This happens most days (4 out of 5 days)

S = This happens inconsistently (2-3 out of 5 days)

R = This does not happen or on rare occasions (1 out of 5 days)