The ABCs of elementary students? report cards may be a thing of the past this fall, as Clarkston Schools look to revamp its assessment system.
‘We are currently having these discussions relative to Kindergarten through fifth grade students, replacing A, B, C, D, and E ratings with a different, more specific focus on learning, and identifying the non-cognitive skills upon which we also wish to give feedback,? said Superintendent Dr. Rod Rock.
Administrators presented an Elementary Assessment and Reporting Update to Clarkston Board of Education, March 9.
Teachers and administrators have been meeting since last fall to discuss the purpose of grading and how to communicate students? learning progress with their parents.
They developed the ‘System of Assessment and Reporting,? SOAR, which includes learning feedback documents (report cards), as well as gradebooks, newsletters, teacher websites, phone calls, emails, open houses and conferences, projects, portfolios, and assignments, notes, journals, reading logs, and other documents.
‘We are in the process of deciding what kinds of feedback are most valuable to parents and students regarding students? learning,? Rock said. ‘We wish to give feedback that shows exactly what kids are learning and how their learning grows over time.?
‘It set goals for kids and gives feedback ? not about comparing one student with another,? said Kim Fletcher, teacher trainer and data consultant.
The new markings would include Secure, ‘student consistently and independently demonstrates understanding of the concept or skill?; Developing, ‘student needs occasional support from others in order to demonstrate understanding of the concept or skill?; and Beginning, ‘student is not yet able to demonstrate understanding of the concept or skill without considerable support from others.?
Learning feedback documents would provide feedback on essential understandings, Fletcher said.
‘These are big ideas that have lasting value beyond the classroom and align with our mission to cultivate thinkers, learners, and positive contributors to a global society,? she said. ‘These understandings form the basis of what we want students to know, understand and do.?
They’re based on the Michigan Academic Standards in Literacy, Math, Science, Social Studies and Life Skills, she said.
‘This is very exciting,? she said. ‘It reflects what we’re doing and what we value.?
Board Treasurer Joan Patterson said ‘mastery? of concepts is important, not just ‘understanding.?
‘I don’t see ‘mastery,? here,? Patterson said. ‘My concern is in courses like junior high and high school chemistry and biology, they have to master them to take it to the next step.?
Board Vice President Susan Boatman asked about the terminology used in the update.
‘To me, ‘big ideas? mean things like how to cure cancer ? that’s how I see using it,? Boatman said. ‘I’m not sure what ‘secure? would mean to people ? people might find that word foreign.?
‘Big ideas? refers to overarching concepts like perseverance and making connections, Fletcher said.
Trustee Kelli Horst said she supported the system.
‘It’s no longer just the report card you get at the end of the semester,? Horst said.
Administration will meet with staff, parents, and the community in the spring to communicate the plan, with implementation in the fall.
‘The feedback system is in process and is not complete,? Rock said. ‘We will provide updates to the board and community as we move forward. Community members are welcome to offer suggestions or feedback to the superintendent throughout the process.?
For more information, call the superintendent’s office at 248-623-5408.