By Jonann Brady
The new report cards would grade students on a rubric of one through four, the same way fourth- and eighth-graders are graded on state math and English Language Arts exams. A one means a child falls below standards, a two means the child needs improvement, a three indicates that a child is meeting standards, and four indicates that a child is exceeding standards.
Parents have a number of concerns about the new grading system, saying that it is being implemented too quickly, without sufficient parental notification, and that the new rubric is not specific enough and may encourage some kids to underperform. Parents are also upset that no elementary-school report cards will be issued for the first quarter because the district is not ready to implement the new system.
Two weeks ago, Assistant Superintendent for Instruction Jeffrey Hollman met with about 100 elementary-school parents to further explain the new system at a meeting one parent described as "heated."
One Meadow School parent said those who attended the meeting with Hollman felt that parents were kept in the dark about the changes until now and that they still don't understand the justification for the new system. "They haven't given us specific answers ... it feels almost like a covert operation," said the parent.
Hollman said that though his recent meeting with parents was the first district-wide meeting, individual principals have discussed the changes with PTAs, and principals will hold parent workshops focusing on the changes in January.
Hollman also said that although there may be rocky transition period while parents and teachers get used to the new system, the report cards will offer parents a more sophisticated and richer picture of how their children are doing. "Once they're in it, they're going to see it's a much better way to get information on their children," he said.
Parents complain that the rubric system is far too vague. For example, a child who scores a 70 on a test and a child who scores a 98 would both receive a three.
"It treats everybody as if they're equal," said the Meadow parent. "How are we going to push kids to do better?"
Hollman said that while parents are used to "averages," a letter or numerical grading system doesn't accurately reflect how elementary-school children are performing. On the old report card, a third-grader may have received a B in reading. Now, said Hollman, that student would be evaluated in seven separate categories within reading. One category, for example, is "understands character, setting and plot."
"How do you put a grade letter on that?" asked Hollman, likening the rubric system to a more thorough "portfolio assessment." "In the long run, this will represent better information to parents."
Parents, however, added that many teachers are also upset about the new system, saying they haven't been adequately trained on how to implement it, but they are unable to speak publicly about it. "Teachers have come to us anonymously voicing their displeasure," said the Meadow parent. "Staff has to be trained. What's the rush?"
Hollman admitted that some teachers weren't happy about the changes, but said that the district is conducting staff development by both principals and outside experts to train teachers to use the new system.
Baldwin elementary schools will hold parent-teacher conferences on this Thursday and Friday, at which parents will get to speak to teachers about their children's performance but won't go home with a report card. Some parents say that is simply not acceptable. "This is being crammed down our throats," said another Meadow school parent.
Parents planned to present the petition and their concerns at a school board meeting on Wednesday, Nov. 12.
