Elementary School Report Cards. I don't understand, I guess.

[Papa Deuce]

My kids are in 3rd grade. When they take tests they almost always get 90% or better, no matter the subject.

So in each category they get a 1, 2, 3, or 4. ( on their report cards )

1 = ( not sure what it means )

2 = Needs improvement

3 = Meets expectations

4 = Exceeds Expectations

Now, in the grand scheme of things, in 3rd grade, I doubt it matters much whether they get a 3 or a 4, but I guess I don't understand why BOTH of my kids just got ALL 3's... 3's in every single category.

So, can someone enlighten me as to how kids who get 90% or better on almost every single test they get are getting "Meets Expectations"?

Does this mean that they would need to get all 95% or better to get "Exceeds Expectations"?

We have written a note for the teachers to email us how their grades are figured out. My one daughter has had a 100% in every single math test / quiz this year, and that one she got a 96%. Wouldn't that seem to be an Exceeds Expectations grade?

Again, in 3rd grade, I don't think it matters much, but I ( we ) just don't understand it.

 

[redlight]

I don't know, but maybe the teacher doesn't give out 4s, or only gives them out in special cases like when a student does some extra credit work. Maybe the teacher sees 3 as the default.

 

[kaytieeldr]

I think it means that, as good as they're doing now, the teacher 'knows' they can do even better.

Is Spelling a separate grade, or is it part of English? Because if it's its own grade, I'm not sure how the teacher thinks she can do any better - perfection, maybe? I'm lost. Good luck with the response, and let us know!

 

[lovetoscrap]

At that level it is not all about the tests and the actual "graded" work. It is about their classroom participation, their ability to grasp the concepts, the way that they approach the subject, how they do on in class work and related work, and many other things. The grading is more subjective at that level.

Meets Expectations is a great level. And no, Harvard does not look at their 3rd grade report card when determining admissions. Don't sweat the small stuff. Give your kids a huge hug, tell them how proud you are, hang the report cards on the fridge and take them out for ice cream. They are doing wonderful.

 

[Tinijocaro]

Funny-I was JUST doing grades for my school (music teacher) and we too grade on a rubric (1-4).

One of my own children pretty much aces everything, he got lots of 3's, which is surprising because he certainly earned 4's. I think some teachers like to leave some wiggle room for improvement throughout the year. Maybe they are afraid if they give a 4 out right away, the child will sit back and not work as hard. Just speculating, I don't do that in my grading. If I have a student who exceeds expectations, I give them a 4. Well, I finished 30 students, only 100 to go!

 

[Papa Deuce]

I think it means that, as good as they're doing now, the teacher 'knows' they can do even better.

Is Spelling a separate grade, or is it part of English? Because if it's its own grade, I'm not sure how the teacher thinks she can do any better - perfection, maybe? I'm lost. Good luck with the response, and let us know!

I don't know the answer, but I do know that I see every single test they take, as I must sign them so they can take them back to school. The lowest grade in ANYTHING I have seen this year is 88%.

Are 3rd graders expected to all get 90% or better? We too will be looking for the response. Thanks.

 

[lovetoscrap]

Forgot to add, that usually "Exceeds Expectations" is for children that are working above grade level. These are kids that are being given extra work to keep them challenged, reading well above grade level and able to do the related work of comprehension, vocabulary, spelling and such above grade level, able to grasp math concepts immediately and may be working on math skills above grade level etc...

The Expectation is that every child will be able to work at Grade Level at a success rate of usually around 85% and above on assesments. If they are scoring 85-100 they are meeting expectations. If they are under 85 then they may need improvement depending on the district guidelines. From what you posted your kids are clearly meeting expectations and that is great!

 

[pennymom]

Forgot to add, that usually "Exceeds Expectations" is for children that are working above grade level. These are kids that are being given extra work to keep them challenged, reading well above grade level and able to do the related work of comprehension, vocabulary, spelling and such above grade level, able to grasp math concepts immediately and may be working on math skills above grade level etc..

Prior teacher here, and I agree with the above. Also, much of the first marking period is review of the previous year's work in order for the teacher to get to know each student's strengths and weaknesses and to refresh ideas in students' minds. If they are marked 'Exceeds Expectations' after so little new material, it can be very hard for the parents to understand later in the year why their child receives 'Meets Expectations' for doing grade-level work when it gets more difficult. It also leaves room for growth during the year and gives students a reason to challenge themselves. As another poster said, there are other things taken into account as well, such as participation, completing classwork, etc.

It sounds like you should be very proud of that report card! Maybe a sundae with extra whipped cream?

 

[disykat]

It is different than when we were kids. A 4 is not like an "A." An "A" meant they did really well at meeting expectations. It didn't necessarily mean they were "exceding expectations."

With the new grading system, assuming it is based on standards based grading, if they get between around 80 to 100% on grade level tests, they are meeting expectations. Usually in order to give a 4, the teacher would need to document that they are working ABOVE grade level.

It's all very confusing. Basically the grade is informing the parents of the level where the child is functioning, but is not specific about how much effort they are putting into doing so. 2 means they are struggling to work at grade level, 3 means they are working at grade level ( this could actually be compared to an A,B,or C in the old system) and a 4 means they are working above their grade level.

Technically, the child could be blowing off homework, having bad behavior, etc. but still ace above grade level work and have a 4. The hard working child who is working at grade level will still have a 3. It's not an effort grade, it's strictly based on what level they meet according to the standards.

ETA: I was distracted for a few minutes and missed a few posts! I realize I'm repeating, but I'll leave my post as it stands.

 

[trip]

Forgot to add, that usually "Exceeds Expectations" is for children that are working above grade level. These are kids that are being given extra work to keep them challenged, reading well above grade level and able to do the related work of comprehension, vocabulary, spelling and such above grade level, able to grasp math concepts immediately and may be working on math skills above grade level etc...

The Expectation is that every child will be able to work at Grade Level at a success rate of usually around 85% and above on assesments. If they are scoring 85-100 they are meeting expectations. If they are under 85 then they may need improvement depending on the district guidelines. From what you posted your kids are clearly meeting expectations and that is great!

What she said.

 

[Oh Kay!]

What lovetoscrap said.

In 3rd grade, my middle DS had perfect scores on the NY state English and Math standardized exams. However, his report card was solidly 3.

 

[luvmyfam444]

we grade the old fashioned way - with abc's when I grew up though it was done as E, S & N & U - excellant, satisfactory, needs improvement & Unsatifactory - I think all the way up to middle school/

IMO they don't need grades @ all - but that's a whole other thread!

 

[Papa Deuce]

I'm "pretty sure" that even in 3rd grade, we had A, B, C, D, F... but that would have been in 1970.

 

[Cindy B]

It is standards based grading. In our district, the kids don't get true letter grades until the year after the first year of standardized testing--which is 3rd grade. So from 4th grade on, letter grades began. Then you get to high school and it becomes number grades instead of letter grades.. like 87, 91, etc..

 

[bballmom56]

We moved when my DD was entering 3rd grade. Now she had already completed 3rd grade math and reading while she was in 2nd grade at her previous school (she was in a pull out program). So we enrolled her in 3rd grade and told the school what she had already done. The old school used A,B,C,D,F and she always had A's in major subjects. New school used E, VG, G, F. So we were surprised when she got all VG's on her report card. And this was for a child who WAS working above grade level at least in math and reading.

I asked her teacher about it at conferences and was told, "Oh I don't give out any E's in the first marking period because then the kids don't work harder". Ummm, great, now I have a kid who thinks she can't get an E, so why SHOULD she work harder.

DD got through the year ok, certainly wasn't challenged at all. But my DS had this same teacher for 2nd grade and that is a year I wish we could erase.

 

[dreamer03]

I know this is sort of off the subject but I need to vent about our local elementary schools. In our district we have 9 elementary schools, 3 middle schools, and 2 high schools. Due to budget issues, they will be closing 7 elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school. This will be taking place in the next 4 years. They want to make 2 MEGA elementary schools with at least 14 seperate classrooms for each grade level. Some of your schools systems might have done this already but I am not ready for this. I love my daughters school. it is within walking distance from home, Grandmas, and is in a safe location. But with the implentation of a MEGA school, we will have to travel at least ten miles one way. AUGH!

 

[Ohiodislover]

In both of my daughter's classes (middle school, and elementary) class participation is the largest part of the grade, and in most classes the test scores are the lowest. Teacher's want to see the children engaging during class, and trying, not just performing well on tests.

OP- I'm not saying your girls aren't participating in class, just a thought as to why they are getting 3s, rather than 4s. Have you emailed the teachers? They can explain in more detail, I'm sure.

 

[Mouse House Mama]

Getting great grades is good. Getting 4's usually means they are above grade level hence the "exceeding expectations."

 

[mickeyboat]

We have the same rubric, and I asked the teacher about this specifically at conferences. She basically said that they aren't doing much work or learning over a 3 level, so there are few places where they can earn 4's. She suggested that writing assignments are good places to go above and beyond.

 

[phorsenuf]

What's wrong with 3s? They are in 3rd grade for goodness sake.
Is there a problem with kids just being average these days? I just don't understand anymore.