Standards-Based Report Cards

Standards-Based Report Cards • Similar to kindergarten and 1st grade report cards • Documents academic growth • Provides specific information about what students know and are able to do • Success is determined by improvement over time

Reading the Standards-Based Report Card • Report card is issued each quarter • Provides students and parents with information about the student’s progress in meeting the state standards (TEKS-Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills) • Students are rated each quarter based on their progress toward mastery on each standard

Reading the Standards-Based Report Card Step 1: Instruction At each grade level, there are standards provided by the Texas Education Agency. These standards state what each child must know and be able to do by the end of 2nd grade. Teachers base their instruction on what the state requires of students.

Reading the Standards-Based Report Card Step 2: Classwork After instruction, students are given multiple opportunities to demonstrate how well they learned the standard.

Reading the Standards-Based Report Card Step 3: Documenting Mastery Teachers take the work that the student completes and then evaluate it based on a rubric. The rubric score will provide specific information about where students are in the process of learning the standard.

Standard: The standards are established by the Texas Education Agency. These standards are what each child should know and be able to do upon completion of 2nd grade.

Errors in Work: After your child is taught the standard by the teacher, there will be assignments your child is responsible for completing. This section refers to how many errors your child makes on each assignment.

Teacher Support: This indicates how much assistance your child requires after instruction has taken place.

If the standard is….. To bake a cake.

Reading the Standards-Based Report Card Step 4: Portfolios Your child will have a portfolio that is used to collect a sampling of work. Some work will be sent home to you for review but most work will remain in the portfolio that is housed in the classroom.

Reading the Standards-Based Report Card Step 5: Report Cards At the end of the grading period, your child will get a report card. Your child will receive a score of 4, 3, 2, or 1 on each of the standards listed. This will give you information about how your child is progressing in mastering the standard. If an area is shaded in, that particular standard is not taught during that grading period.

Example Math Report Card:

What the report card might look like filled in: Quarter 1

Work Habits & Conduct Rubric used for evaluating student:

Frequently Asked Questions Q: How can I find the standards that the Texas Education Agency provides? A: Follow the link provided to view the standards for 2nd grade students: http://www.tea.state.tx.us/index2.aspx?id=6148

Frequently Asked Questions Q: Will the portfolio ever come home? A: The portfolio stays at school so that the teacher and student can monitor progress toward mastering the standard. At the end of the year, the portfolio can be sent home.

Frequently Asked Questions Q: Will my child bring any class work home for me to see? A: Yes. All class work will not be put into the portfolio. The teacher will choose pieces of work to put in the portfolio that show how your child is doing on each of the standards

Frequently Asked Questions Q: If I need more information about how my child is doing, what should I do? A: Always contact your child’s teacher. A note, phone call, or email is a good way to communicate with your child’s teacher and get information about your child’s progress.

Frequently Asked Questions Q: I have older kids that get traditional grades? Is this really a better way to evaluate students? A: A traditional grade is an average of many standards. A student might be doing well on one standard while not mastering another. When the scores are averaged, it is hard to know what the student needs help with. This system allows you to know exactly how your child is doing on each standard. This helps motivate students so they know how they are progressing while providing information about where they need specific help.

Frequently Asked Questions Q: Is it ok for my child to get a “1” or a “2” on a standard? A: Yes! When a student is beginning to learn a new standard, expect them to be at the “below basic” or “basic” level. As the year progresses, the scores might go up and down depending on the expectations. It’s important to focus on successes and challenges. In this way, you will know HOW to help your child improve if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions Q: My child has an Individual Education Plan. How does this affect him/her? A: Your child will get this report card but only be marked where appropriate. The IEP that is specific for your child will be included with this report card so that you have accurate information on your child’s progress.

Frequently Asked Questions Q: Will there be a section on the report card focused on conduct or work habits? A: Yes. The scores your child receives in academic areas do not reflect conduct or work habits. There is a section for teachers to provide you information about how your child is progressing in work habits, social skills, attendance, etc. There will also be a “comment” box that teachers can provide additional information.

Frequently Asked Questions Q: How can I support this new process at home? A: When your child comes home each day, ask them what they “can” do. Teachers use “I can” statements in the classroom to help remind students what they are working on. Students should be able to tell you what they are learning in the classroom. This makes a nice start to a conversation centered on learning.

Standards-Based Report Cards