Grading Practices
Our district utilizes standards-based grading practices. That means when recording scores, we are not concerned with a cumulative grade; instead we look at levels of mastery toward our standards. This mind shift replaces traditional A, B, C, D, F grades with marks that show progression around individual standards. Our district notes progress using Performance Level Descriptors that describe a student’s knowledge, skills, and abilities assessed to date in each content area. These descriptors provide a picture or profile of student achievement at four performance levels:
1 = Emerging
• Demonstrates minimal content knowledge and process skills for standards assessed to date. • Inconsistently applies knowledge and skills to routine situations. |
2 = Developing
• Demonstrates partial content knowledge and process skills for standards assessed to date. • With moderate support applies knowledge and skills to routine situations. |
3 = Proficient
• Demonstrates content knowledge and process skills for standards assessed to date. • With minimal support applies knowledge and skills to new situations. |
4 = Advanced
• Demonstrates exceptional content knowledge and process skills for standards assessed to date. • Independently applies knowledge and skills to rigorous and complex situations. |
You may notice assignments coming home marked with this set of indicators. Please do not infer that a 3 on a four-point scale indicates a 3/4 or 75%. A three is a perfectly proficient mark that shows the student is working at grade level. Advanced marks (4) are more appropriate for extended projects with high ceilings.
Please let us know if you have any questions.
Please let us know if you have any questions.