Merrill uses a standards based grading system, grading students on both content standards and characteristics of a learner. The content standards indicate where the student currently stands at grade level expectations for proficiency, or mastery of that particular standard. Characteristics of a learner standards indicate how the student is behaving and following school wide and classroom policies on a regular basis.
Standards-based grading (SBG) is an intentional way for teachers to track their students’ progress and achievements of grade level standards while focusing on helping students learn and reach their highest potential.
Standards-based grading supports learning by focusing on the concepts and skills that have or have not been learned rather than accumulating or losing points, so parents know what their students need help with.
Standards are ranked 1-5, with a 1 indicating not meeting grade level expectations, 2 partially meeting grade level expectations, 3 indicating approaching grade level expectations, 4 indicating meeting expectations and demonstrating grade level work, and 5 exceeds and consistently demonstrating above grade level work.
Please note that many students will not necessarily be at grade level proficiency in an academic standard at the beginning of the year, but should be moving towards proficiency throughout the year. If a student is below expectations in characteristics of a learner, you may want to contact the teacher to discuss what expectations are to reach proficiency in this standard and what support can be given from home.