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K-5 Standards-Based Report Cards

Understanding Standards-Based Report Cards

Grades K-5

The Consolidated School District of New Britain (CSDNB) has made a significant change from traditional report cards to a new, standards-based report card system. We understand that change can be confusing, but this transition is necessary to ensure students are evaluated against grade level expectations. Our goal with this guide is to help you understand these changes, what they mean for your child, and how to read their new report card.

A Parent/Guardian Guide to Standards-Based Report Cards

Why the Change?

The Standards-Based Report Card Offers Several Key Advantages

It provides a clearer picture of your child’s learning.
It focuses on your child’s growth throughout the year, highlighting areas where they are doing well and areas where they may need support, rather than just a single, overall grade.
All teachers use the same scoring system to communicate your child’s progress, ensuring a consistent view of grade-level expectations across the district.
It facilitates better conversations about how to help your child grow.
It offers better alignment to our State Assessment.

Understanding Student Performance Levels

The new report card uses a proficiency scale, typically from 1 to 4, to indicate your child's progress towards grade-level standards.

Score	What it Means
4	Demonstrates advanced thinking of the grade-level standards, concepts, and skills.
3	Demonstrates mastery of grade-level standards, concepts, and skills.
2	Demonstrates progress toward grade-level standards, concepts, and skills.
1	Demonstrates minimal progress towards grade-level standards, concepts, and skills.
N/A	Not applicable or not taught at this time.

What Evidence Determines Student Grades?

How to Read Your Child's Report Card

Your child’s report card is structured to give you comprehensive information:

Key Explaining Numbers: At the top, you will find the key explaining what each number (1-4, N/A) represents in your child’s grades.
Attendance Information: This section shows attendance, including a new “% in Attendance” feature to help families track when their child is approaching the 10% chronically absent threshold.
Content Standards: You will see the specific content standards being assessed under each related subject area.
Habits for Learning: These are essential behaviors and attitudes crucial for academic success, such as persistence, organization, and responsibility. These grades are separate from academic performance but are equally important. Parental support, consistent routines, and a conducive learning environment can foster these habits.
Notes Section: This is where you and your child will receive more specific feedback regarding your child’s growth or learning needs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: If my child receives a “2” on the new report card, does that mean they got a “C”?

Q: My child has consistently completed their homework assignments, participates in class, and shows great effort. They always got As on last year’s report card. Why are they still getting 2s?

Q: Can a student perform at a level 2 and then move to a level 1 in the next marking period?

A: Yes, this is possible. The evidence (assignments or assessments) collected to generate the grade changes from one marking period to the next as students move towards the end-of-year grade-level expectations. This means a student might be progressing (a “2”) in the first marking period, but as expectations increase later in the year, they may not demonstrate the same level of proficiency and could receive a “1”.

Q: My child has an “N/A” on their report card. Does that mean they’re not being taught this standard?

Staff Testimonials

Over 30 individuals joined a committee to create the Standards-Based Report Card. Hear more from them below!