From the Principal
So just what happens on Early Release Wednesdays when staff is in the building but students are not? I'd like to give you a bit of insight as to how that hour of time is being used....
We began this year with teachers receiving training on our new reporting system (called Synergy). They learned how to categorize and enter assignments into the online grade book. Future staff development sessions will focus on continued refinement of the Synergy system as well as work on implementing Common Core State Standards in the classroom, and training for student safety. We are excited to continue improving our techniques to help children thrive!
A Change to Parent Pick Up - For Some People
We have implemented a change to the routine for end of day pick up only for families who pick up as the regular routine. If your child usually rides the bus and you call the office to arrange pick up for your child for a day, you will follow the same routine as in past. (park, enter at front door, sign your child out). Families who pick their child up every day are participating in a "drive through" program. They have received a number for vehicle identification. Only vehicles with this identification are able to drive through for end of day pick up. This was implemented due to an increased number of parents picking students up at end of day. While there may be a bit of delay waiting to enter the school parking lot, we felt it was a small trade in order to ensure student safety during pick up.
*************Reporting student academic progress
The primary purpose of grading is to communicate student academic progress. Oregon House Bill 2220 specifies the provisions by which our schools will provide parents an assessment of their child's academic progress as compared to state academic content standards.
Report cards reflect progress toward meeting those standards, providing parents with a clear understanding of whether their child is performing academically at, below, or above grade level.
Encouraging a student's academic progress takes the continuous and collaborative effort of both educators and families. At the October Parent/Teacher Conferences, parents will be given information about the new
ParentVue web-based student reporting system. Through
ParentVue
, parents will have access to real-time information on assignments, attendance, grades, and more; giving parents day-to-day insight into their child's academic experience, and providing awareness of where their child may need extra encouragement or assistance.Parent/Teacher Conferences are scheduled for October 24 & 25.
For more information about grading, reporting, and the provisions of HB 2220 see the district's web site at www.oregontrailschools.com/essentialskills.
FAQ: Grading and reporting system
Oregon House Bill 2220
The primary purpose of grading is to communicate student academic progress. Grades reflect
what a student knows and is able to do.
1) How does Oregon House Bill 2220 address the content standards?
Oregon's State Board of Education has adopted the Common Core State Standards in English/Language Arts and mathematics. Oregon also has academic content standards in science, social sciences, health, physical education, foreign language, and The Arts. Student growth toward meeting all of the academic content standards must be shown.
2) How has HB 2220 changed student assessment and grading?
The purpose of HB 2220 is to provide students and parents an accurate assessment of a
student's performance as compared to academic standards. It requires that districts show
student progress toward acquiring the skills and knowledge needed to meet the academic
performance requirements in the Essential Skills of reading, writing, and applying
mathematics.
3) How is Oregon Trail School District (OTSD) implementing HB 2220 provisions?
In accordance with ORS 329.045, public school districts are required to provide instruction that
is aligned to the state academic content standards. Since schools and districts have been
expected to align instruction to the state standards since Oregon adopted a standards-based
system in 1995, OTSD is positioned to meet the provisions of HB 2220.
Every classroom in OTSD schools uses the standards as a framework for teaching and learning.
However, the district and our schools maintain control over course content, format, materials
and teaching methods.
Student report cards
Report cards will reflect student academic progress toward meeting standards.
- OTSD middle and high schools will continue to use a traditional grading format in
student report cards. OTSD elementary schools will use the following format:
E-exceeds,M-meets, P-progressing, and D-does not meet.
- High school reports will also show student progress toward completion of diploma
requirements, credits earned, demonstration of extended application, and
demonstration of the Essential Skills.
- All OTSD student report cards will provide parents with a clear understanding of
whether their student is performing academically at, below, or above grade level. The
reports will include enough information so that parents understand the areas of strength
and weakness in the student's academic performance.
- Oregon requires that all academic grades reflect only a student's academic achievement
in the course content, and that any grades for behavioral performance be reported
separately. Behavior may include attendance, classroom conduct, and citizenship.
ParentVue
At the October 2013 Parent/Teacher Conferences, parents will receive information about
OTSD's web-based student reporting system - ParentVue. The ParentVue web portal will give
parents access to real-time information on assignments, attendance, grades, and more.
4) How is homework reflected in grading?
Meaningful homework and independent practice are important extensions of student learning
that is evidenced through regular, on-going classroom assessments conducted by teachers
during class time. It allows opportunity for student feedback rather than just relying on scores,
and helps teachers monitor progress and modify instruction accordingly.
5) What are the requirements for earning a diploma?
Oregon's graduation requirements include passing state exams in reading, writing and math in
order to receive a regular diploma. Course requirements to receive high school credit have
become much more rigorous. However, students will be provided multiple and varied
opportunities to demonstrate mastery of academic content standards.
For more information, visit: www.oregontrailschools.com/essentialskills.
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