ACADEMICS

North Park Elementary School strongly believes in communicating consistent and accurate feedback about student progress. For the 2011-2012 school year, NPES is piloting a trimester system for midterms and report cards in grades K-8. This means that 1^st – 8^th grade students will receive three midterm reports (9/28, 12/16, and 4/13) and three formal report cards (11/2, 2/27, and 6/1 will be mailed). Kindergartners will receive progress reports 11/2, 2/27, and 6/1 will be mailed.  Parents are encouraged to contact teachers directly with assessment questions and concerns.

MIDTERM REPORTS:  The midterm reports focus on the NPES Pillars of Good Character, which are trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, and citizenship.  In addition to the pillars, teacher will provide feedback in academics and life skills. The students will be assessed using the terms “Proficient” meaning highly competent, “Emerging” meaning developing the skill, and “Needs Improvement” which means the student needs more time to develop the skill.

REPORT CARDS:  The report card provides a detailed account of student progress that directly correlates to the school’s curriculum.  Grades are provided in all academic classes and co-curricular classes.  Students are given an overall academic grade per subject while they are also assessed on individual skills under each subject area.  Language Arts and Math process skills are more skill based while Science and Social Studies based process skills are more concept based.

REPORT CARD LEGENDS:  The grade legend differs based on the grade level.  For grades K – 3^rd students will receive a number (1-4) corresponding to their achievement level for academic classes and co-curricular classes, and letter identification (P, E, N) based on their skills progress in a specific assessment area.   The students will be assessed using the terms “Proficient” meaning highly competent, “Emerging” meaning developing the skill, and “Needs Improvement” which means the student needs more time to develop the skill. 

For grades 4^th – 8^th students will receive a letter grade (A, B, C, D, F) corresponding to their achievement level for academic classes and co-curricular classes.  They will receive letter identification (P, E, N) based on their skills progress in a specific assessment area.   The students will be assessed using the terms “Proficient” meaning highly competent, “Emerging” meaning developing the skill, and “Needs Improvement” which means the student needs more time to develop the skill.  Co-curricular classes begin using letter grades based on subject, grade level and developmental appropriateness. If letter grades are not used for a co-curricular class, assessment will be based on effort and skills progress as denoted by (P, E, N).

CLASSROOM ASSESSMENTS: Teachers conduct daily, weekly and monthly assessments in all academic areas.  Assessments range from traditional tests and quizzes, to project based and observational assessments.  Teachers have autonomy in the manner in which assessments are conducted. 

BENCHMARK ASSESSMENTS: Students are “benchmarked” in reading levels, math computation and grammar skills.  Benchmarking allows teachers to have a more accurate picture of students’ skills. 

• All students will be tested with the Fountas and Pinnell Benchmark Leveling for reading in the fall and in the spring.  This information allows teachers to provide differentiated instruction during guided reading instruction.
• Students are expected to master grade level expectations identified on NPES’ Computation Benchmarks (included in this packet).  Students take timed tests weekly and are assessed regularly. 
• With the new Language Arts program, students are expected to master grade level expectations as identified on NPES’ Grammar Benchmarks (provided in packet).  Grammar skills are incorporated into grade level instruction in Language Arts classes. 
• It is the teacher’s discretion as to what to do for students who do not meet benchmark exit skills. 

MIDDLE SCHOOL GRADING:  Grades are weighted by subject.  Depending on class structure, weights vary as follows:

NPES MATH COMPUTATION BENCHMARKS

• Proficiency means using strategies in order to determine the answer.  For example, the student is able to use a number line, a unifix cube or other type of method that assists him/ her to achieve the answer without it being memorized.
• Automaticity means quick factual recall in less than 2 seconds.
• Related Facts means multiplication and division facts in the same families. For example, 3 X 3 = 9 and 9 / 3 = 3 are related facts.

• Are you honest in your words and actions?
• Do you keep your promises?
• Do you stand up for your beliefs and do what is right?
• Are you a good friend?
• Can others depend on you?

• Do you treat others the way you would want to be treated?
• Are you polite and courteous?
• Do you treat others well even if they look, act or believe differently than you do?
• Do you take care of yourself, others and the environment properly?

• Do you do what you are supposed to do?
• Do you think about how your actions will affect others?
• Do you always try to do your personal best?
• Can others count on you and can you count on yourself?
• Can you be a champion in a time of conflict?

• Do you play by the rules?
• Do you take turns and share?
• When you disagree, do you try to see the other person’s side?

• Are you kind with your words and actions?
• Do you help others?
• Do you think about other people’s feelings and needs?
• Are you thankful for what other people do for you?
• Are you listening to how other people feel?

• Do you cooperate with others?
• Do you obey rules and laws in school, playground, home and community?
• Do you do your share to make your school and neighborhood better?
• Do you help protect the Earth?
• Do you help to make your school, playground, home, community, country and your world a better place?