Report Cards & Grading
Pinewood moves to new grading system
During the 2008-09 school year, a committee of classroom teachers, special area teachers and administrators came together to revise the Mohonasen elementary report cards for grades K-5. This will allow Mohonasen to provide more consistency in programming and assessment at the elementary level.
At Pinewood, the grading key has been revised so that it is in line with the New York State system for reporting student progress. Many parents are already familiar with the 4, 3, 2, 1 key that is used on the state assessment reports that they receive regarding student performance on the annual English Language Arts and mathematics assessments. This system has also been used at Bradt since 2003-04.
The system is not intended to equate to letter grades. Rather, it reflects a student's performance in relation to the state standards and is an indicator of progress toward success on the New York State assessments.
What do the levels mean?
Level 4: Student is performing well above the standard for this grade level at this point in the school year. Earning a 4 means that the student has consistently shown an advanced understanding in academic areas. The student has also shown initiative and challenged him/herself.
Level 3: Student is performing at the standard for this grade level at this point in the school year. This is the widest range of performance and includes "high average" and average behaviors. Earning a 3 means the student is "right on track" with our high academic expectations. He or she is exactly where we, as a district, are hoping a student in the grade level will be.
Level 2: Student is performing slightly below the standard for this grade level at this point in the school year. Earning a 2 means that the student partially understands or demonstrates the concepts or skills, but has not yet reached the proficient level. The child requires additional support and interventions at school and home.
Level 1: Student is performing well below the standard for this grade level at this point in the school year. Earning a 1 means that the student shows minimal understanding and at this time does not meet expectations. Significant support/intervention from home and school is required.
Comments and descriptors for students who receive Academic Intervention Services (AIS) either in English Language Arts or mathematics will now appear on the report card.
Anyone with questions about the new report card or grading system should call Pinewood Principal, Michele L. Hunter at 356-8430.
