Standards Based Grading
What is a standards-based reporting system?
The standards-based reporting system is different from a traditional A, B, C system. It is based on a specific set of standards that students need to meet for each grade level. Marks are not a comparison of one student to another but rather a way to measure how well students are doing on grade-level standards. This helps all students strive to meet high expectations.
Why are we using a standards-based report card?
Topeka Public Schools District made its last major revision to the report card in the mid-1980s. Since that time, there have been changes in the district curriculum standards, the addition of the Kansas College and Career Ready Standards and the state Grade Level Expectations.
Based on research, the Topeka Public Schools District decided to implement as standards-based reporting system for the following reasons:
A standards-based report card identifies essential standards that are to be learned at each grade level.
It provides students, parents and teachers with an accurate report of progress towards meeting each standard.
What will this do for my child?
Your child will know what is expected in his or her learning.
Teachers across the district will have the same understanding of what each child should know and be able to do at each grade level.
You, as a parent, will understand the expectations and be able to provide support at home.
Marking System
K-5 Performance Level Descriptors
Advanced (Adv)
Consistently exceeds the grade level standard
Proficient (Pro)
Consistently meets the grade level standard
Developing (Dev)
Occasionally meets the grade level standard
Beginning (Beg)
Does not meet the grade level standard
Items left blank are not assessed at this time.
Example Pre-School Report Card
Example Kindergarten Report Card
Example First Grade Report Card
Example Second Grade Report Card
Example Third Grade Report Card
Example Fourth Grade Report Card
Example Fifth Grade Report Card