The Common Core State Standards and the FCPS Essential Curriculum define the standards and objectives our students will be held accountable for learning in each content area. These standards and objectives address knowledge that your child will need in order to be college and career ready upon high school graduation. You may review the Common Core State Standards and Essential Curriculum at any time by visiting www.fcps.org and mdk12.org. 

Art, music and instrumental music will provide learning experiences and curriculum that develop an appreciation and knowledge in the fine arts area. These classes also expand upon various concepts and content areas being introduced in the classroom. Physical education classes provide activities that will help develop strong, healthy bodies, a sense of fair play, and life-long habits for good physical well-being.

Assessment

Throughout the school year, informal and formal assessments are used to measure a child’s success and needs. The purpose is to evaluate learning, so that instruction can be adjusted to meet student needs and improve learning. Assessments also demonstrate whether schools, teachers, and students have met the objectives outlined in the curriculum.  Assessments mirror instruction in the classroom and emphasize tasks students do in real life.  They are kept by the classroom teacher in each child’s portfolio and are available for your review during a parent-teacher conference. State assessments will also be given each year, which includes the Maryland Comprehensive Assessment Program (MCAP) for grades 3, 4, and 5. The MCAP encompasses all state assessments and is designed to provide information that helps strengthen instruction and improve performance.  The Maryland Integrated Science Assessment (MISA)  is designed for grade 5 at the elementary school level. English language proficiency assessments are administered to English learners in grades kindergarten through 12 upon their entry into the school system and annually during a testing window in the second semester. The assessments measure a student’s English language proficiency in the areas of listening, speaking, reading, writing, comprehension and literacy. Please be advised of testing windows/dates that are published in the FCPS Calendar Handbook before making doctor appointments and planning vacations during these scheduled times. 

Report Cards and Interim Reports

FCPS uses a reporting system which includes interim reports and report cards.  Interims may be used at any time between regular reporting dates to indicate notable achievement, improvement, or unsatisfactory work.  Report cards are issued four times each year: November, February, April, and June.

Grading and Feedback

FCPS uses a reporting system which includes interim reports and report cards.  Interims may be used at any time between regular reporting dates to indicate notable achievement, improvement, or unsatisfactory work.  Report cards are issued four times each year according to the FCPS schedule. Grading practices follow FCPS Regulation 500-06: Grading, Reporting, and Intervention. You can expect:

• One graded assignment per subject per week

• Parent view of Schoology gradebook

• Media and social & emotional learning lessons are not graded.

Understanding the Primary Grade Report Card

Understanding the Grades 2‐5 Report Card