• Standards-based report cards have emerged as common means of communicating grade level expectations and detailed student performance levels at the elementary level.

• They offer specific feedback about student performance in accordance with descriptors of New Jersey Student Learning Standards. These student learning standards explain what students should know and be able to do at each grade level. They also serve as the basis for our curriculum, instruction, and assessment.

• Standards-based grading discussions were initiatied at John Hill School in 2019.

• The challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic further highlighted the limitations of traditional grading structures - specifically the lack of specificity about what it is that younger learners must critically know and be able to do.

• As we steadily transition back to regular operations, we embrace the challenges of optimizing student growth while identifying and addressing particular learning gaps that may exist. Transitioning to standards-based report cards will best allow us to do so. This belief is supported by a growing body of research: What does research say about standards-based grading? (Townsley & Buckmiller)

• The standards-based report card will serve as the primary guide to provide valuable and detailed feedback to students and parents about progress toward attaining critical learning targets. Using common targets as a basis for collective work between students, teachers, and parents will best allow for a rigorous academic program to be presented within a highly supportive and goal-oriented environment.

• Standards-Based Report Card Committee Formed

  • Included representatives from grade 3, grade 4, grade 5, special education, general education, core content instructors, special area instructors, basic skills, school counseling, and administration.

  • Committee initiated work and engaged in exploration of research basis and available standards-based report card templates while also discussing particular needs at John Hill School.

  • SBRC templates were established which were inclusive of keys for academic performance and indicators of essential habits.

• SBRC template was shared across all elementary content areas (ELA, math, science, social studies, special content areas). Feedback was gathered and adjustments made.

• Updated templates made available and are posted below.

2021/2022 School Year

• • Grade 3 Implements Standards-Based Report Cards (students transitioning from similar skill based format)

  • Grade 4 Implements Standards-Based Report Cards (students transitioning from similar skill based format)

  • Grade 5 Maintains Traditional Report Card (students accustomed to traditional report card from 4th grade)

2022/2023 School Year

• • All of grades 3-5 implementing Standards-Based Report Card

If you have any questions at this time, please contact Tom Valle (thomas.valle@boontonschools.org).