Grading & Reporting

How to Read aN ELEMENTARY Report Card

WCPS uses a Standards-Based Grading (SBG) system for students in Kindergarten through Grade 5. This approach communicates what your child knows and can do in relation to specific state academic standards. Rather than comparing students to one another, this report card shows how each child is progressing toward grade-level expectations.

Performance Level	Description
4 – Exceeds	Consistently applies learning and transfers understanding to new situations
3 – Meets	Demonstrates understanding and application of grade-level standards
2 – Developing	Making progress toward meeting standards with teacher support
1 – Beginning	Limited progress; needs additional support to meet standards
NE – Not Evaluated	Standard not addressed this marking period

 

Learner Behaviors

In addition to academics, teachers report on key learning behaviors that support success:

• Independent Work Habits: Works responsibly and completes tasks
• Collaboration Work Habits: Works respectfully and cooperatively with peers
• Goal Setting & Problem Solving: Demonstrates effort, persistence, and self-direction
• Citizenship & Respect: Shows respect for self, others, and the school community

The Learner Behavior Ratings are also based on the 1–4 scale.

What This Means?

SBG does not translate to traditional letter grades (A, B, C, D) – think of it like this:

• 2 or 1 = shows that your child is still learning these skills & may need extra support
• 3 = means your child is learning is right on track (it does not mean average)
• 4 = shows advanced understanding

However, not every standard and/or marking period gives students the opportunity to show “4-level” work. Sometimes the curriculum doesn’t extend that far yet.

If you see mostly 3s, that’s a great report card!
It means your child is right where they’re supposed to be –
learning, progressing, and building a strong foundation.