Over the last year, members of the Principal's Advisory Cabinet, of which I was a member, worked with DCPS central leadership to share a need in schools to establish more standardized models of reporting student progress. We discussed data collection for better report card evaluation and the need to communicate progress to caregivers.
From those discussions, DCPS followed up with guidance for all schools:
- Schools will establish standard systems for collection between 7-9 grades per term for reading, writing, and math and 3-4 grades for science and social studies. Specials teachers are also collecting more information on progress during the terms.
- At the mid-point of the term, school swill share On-track or Off-track progress reports with caregivers.
- ON-TRACK means they are meeting the grade level expectations at that time, and are ON-TRACK to receive at least a 3 in that subject.
- OFF-TRACK means that through the data collection and teacher and specialist observation, they have noted the student is not mastering the concepts being taught at that time and the student is currently OFF-TRACK to receive a 3 or a 4 and will most likely earn a 2 or a 1 in that subject
- The Number grades co-relate to:
📍4 - exceeding grade level expectations (student is capable of work above grade level)📍3 - student meets the work expectations for the standards at the grade level (solidly working on grade level with between 90-75% accuracy)
📍2 - student is missing some important concepts (concepts that have been taught are not fully mastered by the student)
📍1 - student does not understand the majority of important grade level concepts (concepts that have been taught are not understood by the student despite supports)
For this first round of progress reports, we will send reports home to all students. This way, all caregivers can see the progress reports. After this first term, we will only send reports home to caregivers where students are receiving reports of OFF TRACK.
Our teachers are already jumping into high quality instruction with our amazing students - while also finding time for fun (we see you, 4th grade!). They are also getting ready for Caregiver Conferences, which are schedule for Oct. 13. Please look out for more communication from your child's teacher about signing up for conferences.
