Questions & Answers About Standards Based Grading

Frequently Asked Questions

The report cards are designed to report on each child’s performance in relation to specific criteria. The goals of standards based report cards include the ability to:

• reflect academic achievement

• provide meaningful feedback

• be honest, fair, transparent, credible, useful, and user friendly

• be aligned with the Moose Lake Community School district curriculum

• reflect consistency among courses, grade levels, departments, and schools

• separate non-academic factors like participation or effort

Q. Why use a standards based report card?

A. Just as physicians research new methods and tools to more accurately measure a patient’s health, educators use research to develop accurate measurements of student learning. Averaging a student’s scores and reporting them in one subject’s grade does not provide an accurate picture of achievement, help us diagnose potential problems, or communicate clearly with families. For example, a mark of a “C” or “satisfactory” in Mathematics does not tell us where the child’s strengths and weaknesses lie among the various concepts in mathematics.

In a standards based system, students are working toward meeting established goals (standards). If a student is not on track to meet a standard, supports can be put in place, and students can be given additional opportunities to show their understanding.

Q. What does standards based mean?

A. Standards are academic learning goals expected in each subject. Standards are further divided into grade level criteria, called benchmarks. Standards and benchmarks are determined by the State of Minnesota, a local district committee, national organizations, or a combination of these. A standards based report card represents an individual student’s progress in relation to year-end goals.

Q. How is a standards based report card different than previous report cards?

A. The most obvious difference is the use proficiency levels on the report card rather than letter grades (A-F or E, S, N). The proficiency levels represent the level to which a student has progressed toward a certain part of the standard.

Q. What marks will I see on my child’s report card?

A. In all academic subjects, teachers report on a scale which designates a student’s progress on the standards. A definition of these marks is found below.

Performance Indicators

E = Exceeds

The student exhibits knowledge and understanding of the concepts, skills, and processes the standard requires and can readily apply this knowledge in a variety of settings.

M = Meets

The student has a thorough knowledge, understanding, and application of the concepts, skills, and processes the standard requires.

PM = Partially Meets

The student is gaining understanding of the concepts, skills, and processes the standard requires, but has not been able to consistently demonstrate the learning.

DM = Does Not Meet

The student is just starting to understand the concepts, skills, and processes the standard requires and needs consistent support.

Student’s work habits, behavior, and social skills are reported separately. The descriptions of student performance in these areas are reported in a section of the report card titled Subject Area Successors.

Q. Does a DM mean my student is failing? Does an E equal an A?

A. Typically, letter grades represent an average of all of a student’s work in a given subject area without regard to the specific learning taking place. An E on a standards based report card does not represent an A grade, nor does a DM constitute a failing grade. The grade represents the level at which a student has demonstrated their knowledge and skills in relation to the standard. Students have achieved the learning outcome or goal when they receive a M or E on the report card.

It is important to note that an E is quite rare, even by the end of the year. An "E" indicates that a student has gone beyond the skills required by the standard in order to apply that knowledge in new and different ways.

Q. How are marks determined?

A. Throughout the semester, students will have shown their learning independently in a variety of ways (e.g., tests, projects, quizzes, or performances). The homework and in-class daily work is practice in the process of learning the concepts or skills required by the standard.

Q. What if I have more questions?

A. If you would like further information regarding standards based grading and reporting, please contact your child's teacher or Principal Konietzko.