A Message from Mrs. Laidlaw Otto
Dear SJE Families;
As I have shared with you, schools in the Archdiocese of Milwaukee have been mandated to implement Standards-Based grading. Our report cards have included standards in addition to traditional achievement grades for many years. However, in a truly standards-based learning environment, learning feedback is provided to both students and parents solely via information about mastery of standards. Standards- based grading eliminates achievement grades, also eliminating the need for averaging together a series of grades based on a 100 point scale over a series of lessons. Instead, a
standards
-
based grading
system measures a student's mastery of grade-level
standards
by prioritizing the most recent, consistent level of performance.
Our teachers have been discussing this transition over the last year. The first priority which we identified was to educate our students in the vocabulary and standards-based models. For students in grades four through eight, there are four levels of proficiency:
Grades 4-8 Proficiency Scale
Advanced (4)
Students who perform at an advanced level demonstrate understanding of concepts and skills extending beyond grade level standards. These students can independently complete self-directed studies.
Proficient (3)
Students who perform at a proficient level demonstrate consistent understanding and application of concepts and skills aligned with grade level standards. Student can complete assigned tasks independently. These are students who have mastered the concepts taught and are ready to move onto the next set of standards.
Developing (2)
Students who are developing demonstrate partial understanding of grade level standards. These students can sometimes complete learning tasks without assistance, have not yet reached mastery. They will benefit from reteaching and additional practice.
Emerging (1)
Students who are emergent need more time to develop understanding of grade level standards. These students can complete learning activities with assistance.
Students in grades one through three will receive a similar report card containing only three proficiency levels:
Grades 1-3 Proficiency Scale
Proficient (3)
Students who perform at a proficient level demonstrate consistent understanding and application of concepts and skills aligned with grade level standards. Student can complete assigned tasks independently. These are students who have mastered the concepts taught and are ready to move onto the next set of standards.
Developing (2)
Students who are developing demonstrate partial understanding of grade level standards. These students can sometimes complete learning tasks without assistance, have not yet reached mastery. They will benefit from reteaching and additional practice.
Emerging (1)
Students who are emergent need more time to develop understanding of grade level standards. These students can complete learning activities with assistance.
This week, I am asking parents to discuss these proficiency levels with your students. Because this is new to our students, we expect varying levels of understanding. The more our students discuss these different expectations, the better their understanding will be. Your conversations are an important piece in helping our students to embrace these changes.
Go forth and be a blessing,
Mary Laidlaw Otto
