MS Grade Card Work
A dedicated group of middle school teachers has been meeting regularly to explore and implement evidence-based grading practices, grounded in the principles outlined in Grading from the Inside Out by Tom Schimmer. Their collaborative efforts have focused on aligning grading with clear learning outcomes and separating academic achievement from behavior. As this important work continues, we will use the summer months to deepen their understanding and develop consistent practices and tools in preparation for a broader rollout in the 2025–26 school year.
Profile of a Learner - Tactic Team Work
One part of the transformation of learning in RQS is the commitment to make our Profile of a Learner characteristics an integral piece of preparing students from Pre-K through 12th grade. During the Ford NGL process, a tactic team consisting of teachers, counselors, building staff, district staff, and community members has developed a plan to identify developmentally appropriate benchmarks that align with RQS’s “Profile of a Learner” characteristics while engaging with community stakeholders and natural ways to integrate with our curriculum both SEL and academic. We committed to these four priorities:
- Utilizing the five pillars of a Profile of a Learner, define the characteristics with a common language for grade level appropriateness.
- Identify opportunities to integrate Profile of a Learner qualities with daily instruction.
- Develop a communication plan to implement the Profile of a Learner and engage adult stakeholders.
- Create a plan to monitor and evaluate the students’ learning and mastery of the Profile of a Learner qualities.
We know that this transformation will take multiple years to enact, and we’re accounting for the process. For the SY 25-26 school year, we will open the opportunity for all stakeholders to participate in the work as we ensure that every RQS student leaves our system academically sound, reflective, able to relate, a contributor, and a professional.