Personal Growth/Learning/ Social Behaviors

The personal growth/learning and social behaviors are crucial to the academic success of students. These skills are vita links to achieving success as a lifelong learner. When a behavior is exemplary, or needs improvement, the number grade will be coded with one or more of the skills identified by the lower case letters. Student growth is reported to parents using the following categories:

a . . . works in groups
b . . . works independently
c . . . strives to complete tasks
d . . . demonstrates organizational skills
e . . . shows a sense of responsibility
f . . . completes class assignments on time
g . . . returns completed homework
h . . . maintains attention
i . . . exhibits positive attitudes

Reading Level

The student’s reading level is reported to parents each marking period except the first marking period in first grade. The following performance levels are used to report this information to parents:

Above Grade Level
The student demonstrates the ability to comprehend a variety of above-grade level material by:

• acquiring and using many decoding and comprehension strategies
• frequently using strategies in combinations
• increasing sight vocabulary at a rapid rate

• acquiring and using several decoding and comprehension strategies
• sometimes using strategies in combinations
• increasing sight vocabulary at a steady rate Below Grade Level The student demonstrates the ability to comprehend a variety of below-grade level material by:
• acquiring and using a limited number of decoding and comprehension strategies
• rarely using strategies in combinations
• increasing sight vocabulary at a slow rate
  
  

Subject Areas

A. Language Arts
Students are evaluated in the following:

• using reading strategies, such as:
  
  • establishing a purpose for reading
    
  • adjusting the rate of reading
    
  • using word analysis skills
    
  • predicting
    
• comprehending what is read for a variety of purposes
  
• writing effectively, including:
  
  • writing for a variety of purposes and audiences
    
  • using the writing process effectively
    
  • using technology effectively in the writing process
    
• using language effectively, including:
  
  • selecting appropriate and varied word choices
    
  • using varied sentence formation/structures
    
  • demonstrating correct punctuation
    
  • demonstrating correct capitalization
    
  • following correct grammatical rules
    
  • using spelling strategies
    
  • writings to meet accepted standards of legibility
    
• using effective listening and speaking when:
  
  • listening to and giving information
    
  • speaking to persuade and listening critically
    
  • socializing
    
  • listening to and expressing feelings
    
  • listening appreciatively and speaking to entertain
    

B. Mathematics
Students are evaluated in the following:

• understanding and applying problem-solving processes
  
  • using the four-step problem-solving model
    
  • using various problem-solving strategies
    
• understanding and applying mathematical concepts
  
  • whole numbers
    
  • measurement
    
  • fractions and decimals
    
  • statistics and graphing
    
  • probability
    
  • geometry
    
• understanding and applying computational processes
  
  • mental computation
    
  • estimation
    
  • paper and pencil computation
    
  • calculator usage
    
• communicating mathematical concepts and ideas

C. Science
Students are evaluated in the following:

• recognizing that scientific ideas must be based on personal evidence
  
• recognizing that science describes, explains and predicts
  
• recognizing patterns in data
  
• understanding how to:
  
  • observe
    
  • classify
    
  • compare
    
  • collect evidence
    
  • control test conditions
    
  • organize and present data in tables and graphs
    
  • explain laboratory results orally and in writing
    
  • use knowledge of science to solve problems
    

• understanding and applying social science concepts:
  
  • geography
    
  • economics
    
  • political systems
    
  • cultures
    
• understanding and applying citizenship skills:
  
  • respect for self and others
    
  • commitment to the democratic process
    
• understanding and applying skills and processes of social studies
  

E. Art
Students are evaluated in the following content areas:

• identifying and discussing differences and similarities in the visual and tactile qualities of art works
  
• identifying the art elements and principles of design and using them effectively in visual form
  
• creating visual images using a variety of tools and materials
  
• identifying subject matter depicted in works of art and describing similarities and differences across cultures
  

• understanding and applying the skills necessary to perceive, perform and respond
  
• understanding and applying music as an essential aspect of history and human experience from a wide variety of cultures
  
• creatively organizing unusual ideas and sounds
  
• making musical judgments

• demonstrating an acceptable level of fitness and an appreciation of the lifelong value of fitness
  
• demonstrating an appreciation for efficient and creative movement through participation in a sequential program of varied activities
  
• demonstrating appropriate social and emotional behaviors, self expression, and an appreciation for individual differences

Becoming a Team Member

Cooperation between the home
and school is essential for student success. The following are ways that you can contribute to your child’s educational progress:

1. Establish lines of communication with the school. Your child is an important link in this process.
2. Ensure that your child attends school regularly and is on time.
3. Provide supplies and materials needed to supplement school materials.
4. Encourage your child to perform and achieve at his/her ability levels.
5. Monitor assignments by the school and assure that all assignments are completed and turned in on time.