As the education system continues to evolve, so do the methods of student assessment. The traditional letter grade report card has been replaced by standards-based report cards, which provide a more detailed and nuanced view of a student’s progress in each subject area. However, the use of technical jargon in standards-based report cards can make it difficult for parents, students, and educators to fully understand the meaning of the grades and comments provided. This guide will break down the most common terminology used in standards-based report cards, providing a clear and concise explanation of each term.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Standards
Standards are the benchmarks that students are expected to meet in each subject area. These benchmarks are set by the state or district and are used to ensure that students are learning the necessary skills and knowledge for their grade level. Standards can be broken down into specific learning objectives, which are the individual skills and knowledge that students are expected to master.
Proficiency
Proficiency refers to a student’s level of mastery of a particular standard or learning objective. Proficiency levels are typically categorized as advanced, proficient, basic, or below basic. Advanced proficiency indicates that a student has exceeded the expectations for a particular standard, while proficient indicates that a student has met the expectations. Basic and below basic indicate that a student is not meeting the expectations for a particular standard, with below basic indicating that a student needs significant support to achieve proficiency.
Progress
Progress refers to a student’s growth and development over time. Progress is typically measured by comparing a student’s proficiency level at different points in time. A student who has demonstrated growth in proficiency over time is considered to be making progress.
Assessment
Assessment refers to the methods used to measure a student’s proficiency and progress. Assessments can take many forms, including tests, quizzes, projects, and presentations. Assessments can also be formative or summative. Formative assessments are used to gauge a student’s progress throughout the learning process, while summative assessments are used to evaluate a student’s overall mastery of a particular standard or learning objective.
Rubrics
Rubrics are scoring guides used to evaluate a student’s proficiency level. Rubrics typically break down a standard or learning objective into specific criteria, with each criterion assigned a point value. Rubrics can be used for both formative and summative assessments and provide students with a clear understanding of the expectations for a particular assignment or project.
Comments
Comments provide additional context and feedback on a student’s progress. Comments can be both positive and constructive and should provide specific examples of a student’s strengths and areas for improvement. Comments can also provide guidance on how parents and students can support continued growth and development.
Conclusion
Standards-based report cards provide a more detailed and nuanced view of a student’s progress in each subject area. However, the technical jargon used in these report cards can make it difficult for parents, students, and educators to fully understand the meaning of the grades and comments provided. By breaking down the most common terminology used in standards-based report cards, this guide provides a clear and concise explanation of each term. By understanding these terms, parents and educators can work together to support students in achieving their full potential.