The Murch Mustang Express November 13, 2009

The first marking period is over, and report cards are headed home on Friday, Nov. 13. The report cards in DCPS can be a bit confusing to interpret, so here are a few tips on deciphering the numbers and letters used to denote your child's progress.

Numerical symbols: DCPS uses numbers (1, 2, 3, 4) to provide parents with information on where their child is overall in relation to grade level standards in that subject area. These numbers identify the student's demonstrated proficiency of the subject area curriculum that was taught during the marking period.

* "4" means that the student has mastered to an excellent standard the curriculum content that was taught. The student demonstrated on assessments that their understanding and proficiency on what was taught was at an advanced level.

* "3" means that the student has mastered to a proficient standard the curriculum content that was taught. The student can demonstrate understanding and proficiency on what was taught is at grade level for that grade. A "3" score reflects work that is consistently good and seldom falls below the expectations for on-level work.

* "2" means that the student has not yet completely mastered the curriculum content that was taught, but is approaching proficiency. The student can sometimes, but not consistently, demonstrate understanding and proficiency on what was taught. A "2" score reflects work that is usually acceptable.

* "1" means that the student has not yet mastered the

curriculum content that was taught and does not demonstrate proficiency. The student does not usually demonstrate understanding and proficiency on what was taught. A "1" score reflects learning that is not at grade level.

Alphabetic symbols: The second set of symbols (S, D, B, N) requires each teacher to identify the curriculum standards that were taught and where the student is in mastering each standard. There are two possible situations with each standard: The standard has been introduced this marking period or in a past marking period; or it has not been introduced.

N: If the standard has not been taught to that student, the grade assigned is an N.

S, D, B: These grades show growth along a learning continuum. Occasionally, a student will master the learning standards as soon as each standard is taught. Most will take longer to get that learning secure in their heads.

* S (SECURE): The student demonstrates a secure command of the skills taught. That is, the student consistently shows understanding of concepts, can apply skills, and meets expectations for demonstrating mastery.

* D (DEVELOPING): The student is developing understanding of concepts and is often able to apply skills, but assessments do not yet identify the student as having demonstrated mastery.

* B (BEGINNING): The student is just beginning to understand the concepts and skills taught. It is perfectly normal and expected for a student to get a "B" if the teacher just introduced a new concept or is working on a learning standard that is very challenging.

The first parent conference day is Dec. 7 from noon to 7 p.m. Teachers will soon be making appointments for that day. In the meantime, please don't hesitate to ask your child's teacher, the school counselor, assistant principal Norah Rabiah, or me if you need any help understanding the reporting system in DCPS or what the grading symbols mean.
-- Dawn E. Ellis, Principal