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A “standard” (sometimes called a “learning standard” or a “content standard”) is a description of what a student should be able to understand and do. The Virginia Department of Education sets standards for all schools in the Commonwealth, and Arlington Public Schools establishes a framework of expectations for instructing those skills.
Standards-Based Grading (SBG) and Reporting is a way to share feedback to students and families based on established learning standards. It emphasizes what students know and can do, while also articulating their learning progress over time.
Arlington Public Schools uses the following Performance Level Descriptors:
The expectation is full and consistent understanding of the standard (i.e., meeting) by the end of the school year.
On rare occasion, when a standard is introduced, but sufficient evidence has not yet been collected, “introduced, but not yet assessed” or “IN” may be communicated rather than indicating a performance level.
What This Means for Your Child
Clear Learning Path and Feedback
By grading your child to end-of-year standards, you will know how your child is progressing over each quarter.
Each subject area has a “Strengths and Goals” section to provide specific feedback.
Progress Over Time
Standards are the grade level expectations of learning for the year. Your child’s performance level reflects the part of the standard taught each quarter. Parts of the standard may be taught at various times of the year. The expectation is full and consistent understanding of the standard (i.e., meeting) by the end of the school year.
Growth Mindset
Celebrate effort, persistence, and incremental progress to foster a growth mindset. Engage in discussions about what your child is learning and ask open-ended questions that promote critical thinking.
Standards-Based Reporting Schedule
At the conclusion of each Grading Period (four times per year), consistent with Arlington Public Schools policy, families of students in Grades Kindergarten through 5th grade receive a Standards-Based Progress Report. Progress Reports are available through ParentVue based on published dates in the APS School Calendar or on the Standards-Based Progress Reports & Report Cards timeline.
We report on the Standards established for instruction in public schools in Virginia, by the Virginia Department of Education, and as organized by the Arlington Public Schools Curriculum documents. These Progress Reports provide families with their student’s current state of proficiency within each Standard. These Progress Reports are “snapshots in time,” showing the current learning at the time of the report. The expectation is to see growth over time and proficiency of a standard by the end of the school year.
Progress Report
The Progress Report is generated from teacher entries in each content area in our Student Information System (called “Synergy”). The information and teacher comments on the Progress Report are generated directly from teacher input.
Frequently Asked Questions for Elementary Student Progress Reports
What is Standards-Based Grading (SBG)?
Standards-Based Grading (SBG) is an approach used by APS to measure student progress against specific learning goals or standards set by the Virginia Department of Education. Rather than focusing on traditional letter grades, SBG reports communicate how well a student understands and can apply these standards at a particular point in time.
How is my child’s progress reported in SBG?
APS utilizes a 4-level performance scale on progress reports:
- Developing the standard: With support, the student shows initial understanding of the standards taught this quarter.
- Approaching the standard: The student shows partial and/or inconsistent understanding of the standards taught this quarter.
- Meeting the standard: The student shows full and consistent understanding of the standards taught this quarter.
- Extending the standard: In addition to meeting the standard, the student shows in-depth understanding and application of the standards taught this quarter.
Each subject area includes a “Strengths and Goals” section for specific feedback.
What does “IN” or “NT” on the progress report mean?
IN (Introduced but Not Assessed): This indicates a standard has been introduced but not formally evaluated yet. NT (Not Taught): This applies mainly to Math, Science, and Social Studies, indicating a specific standard summary hasn’t been covered during that quarter.
How often are progress reports issued?
Progress reports are available electronically via ParentVue four times a year, at the end of each quarter, on the dates published in the APS School Calendar.
Where can I find examples of SBG progress reports?
APS provides templates for standard K-5 progress reports and specialized reports for programs like Immersion and Expeditionary Learning below.
Who can I contact with further questions about SBG?
For specific questions regarding your child’s progress, reach out to their teacher directly. For general inquiries about SBG in APS, you can contact:
- Sarah Putnam, Executive Director Curriculum & Instruction: [email protected]
- Stephanie McIntyre, Supervisor Instructional Support: [email protected]
How can I support my child’s learning in an SBG system?
Embrace a growth mindset! Celebrate effort, persistence, and incremental progress. Engage in conversations about what your child is learning, and ask open-ended questions that encourage critical thinking. Stay informed about classroom learning through regular updates from your child’s teacher and by reviewing assignments.
How do teachers determine the performance level for each standard each quarter?
Teachers analyze multiple pieces (~3) of evidence. The most recent performance is typically what appears on the progress report, as it best reflects the student’s current level of understanding.
If a student is identified as gifted, will they receive 4s – Extending?
It is important to understand that “4 – Extending the standard” is not the norm. This level of proficiency indicates that a student has not only met the full standard, but has also shown an in-depth understanding and can independently apply the standard in various contexts.
Does this system prepare students for traditional grading in middle and high school?
Yes. SBG provides a strong foundation by ensuring students master key concepts and skills. This thorough understanding prepares them well for future academic challenges
Examples of Standards-Based Progress Reports
Standard K-5 Templates
Kindergarten SBG Template final
Schools with specific programs, such as Immersion and Expeditionary Learning, will use separate progress reports:
Immersion K-5 Templates (Key and Claremont only)
Expeditionary Learning K-5 Templates (Campbell only)
Stay Informed
Look for regular updates on classroom learning shared by your child’s teacher throughout each quarter. Assignments will show your child’s progress on various parts of the overall learning standard. If you have additional questions, please speak with your child’s teacher or contact Sarah Putnam, Executive Director of Curriculum and Instruction at [email protected].