What's in My Report Card?

How many times have you asked yourself, "what is my son's or daughter's report card telling me"?  I will try to explain this to you in the world of Physical Education, where we are and where we are going with The New Art and Science of Teaching with learning progressions and proficiency scales.

First the report card as it looks.

Report Card  

When we look at the first page under Physical Education, we see a rectangular box.  In the first column we see "The Identifier", PED-03.S1, stands for grade level three and Standard #1.  The next column gives a short description of what the standard is.  Here is some more information:

Standard #1-The physically literate individual demonstrates competency in a variety of motor skills and movement patterns. (There are 27 benchmarks that fall under this standard).  

Standard #2-The physically literate individual applies knowledge of concepts, principles, strategies and tactics related to movement and performance. (There are 5 benchmarks under this standard).  

Standard #3-The physically literate individual demonstrates the knowledge and skills to achieve and maintain a health-enhancing level of physical activity and fitness. (There are 6 benchmarks under this standard).   Active participation would also fall under this standard.

Standard #4-The physically literate individual exhibits responsible personal and social behavior that respects self and others. (There are 6 benchmarks under this standard).  

Standard #5-The physically literate individual recognizes the value of physical activity for health, enjoyment, challenge, self-expression and/or social interaction. (There are 4 benchmarks under this standard)

The last column of the report card is the "Target" goal.  The developing area is where everything is introduced, modeled and practiced.  For elementary this may take a few years for standards #1 & #2.  The proficiency area is where their skills, knowledge and behaviors are at a mature level.  This is the goal we strive for all students.  Advanced tells us the student is above the required level.

In class we discuss the Levels of Proficiency with the students and what they actually tell us.  In Standard #1 & Standard #2, we may see a proficiency level of 1, 2, 3, or 4.  Whatever score the student received is okay or good.  The student knows that they will need to work at it more to reach a higher proficiency level.  There are many factors that may be responsible for the levels, such as: growing up with the opportunities to play certain activities, where a student lives, economic opportunity, learning ability and physical limitations.  For some, Physical Education may be the first experience of any of the skills or concepts of play.  We could expect the Level of Proficiency to be around a 1 or 2.  As they are given the opportunity to learn and practice more, their levels will improve, sometimes at greater rates than those that already have had opportunities.  Some will surpass those students too.  So do not be mad, angry, sad or upset with your child, this is just where he or she is currently at in proficiency.  It WILL improve over time with more opportunity.

Concerns with Levels of Proficiency would more be with Standard 3 & Standard 4, where the student is responsible for their participation level and their social interaction (Cougar Code).  We would all hope these levels will be at a proficiency level of 3 or 4.  Again, there are factors that may affect the score, which some students have no control.   Students with special needs or learning disabilities may fall under this part.  Having aides in the class greatly help the learning, providing more one on one time with those students.

Finally understanding the progress reports.

Parent Guidance for Understanding Student Progress Reports 

This is sent out to all parents with student progress reports.  Please take time to read and ask questions if more information is needed.