Academic and Grading Policy

This grading policy was revised and updated for the 2025-2026 school-year.

Philosophy and Purpose of Grading

The P.S. 115Q Academic and Grading Policy Handbook is designed to explain how student learning is measured in our school community. As a school community, we are committed to providing relevant, comprehensive, quality instruction in order to educate, prepare, and inspire our students to be life-long learners.

Academic grades play an important role in the schooling process. When schools inform students and parents of how grades will be determined in a particular subject, they are defining the standards and instructional requirements for that subject. Report cards are sent to parents informing them of the degree to which student success in learning and in mastering the Next Generation Learning Standards have occurred. Report cards provide reinforcement for students and reflect progress and achievement of students’ work at the grade level they are assigned.

Grades serve the following purposes:

  • Reflect a students’ level of understanding and command of content, their progression through a subject, and their mastery of skills at a given point in time.
  • Give parents information about their child that will be useful in helping to promote and maintain desirable patterns of behavior and achievement.
  • Help identify areas of strength, improvement/growth, and areas still in need of support.
  • Inform teachers’ curricular, instructional, and organizational decisions

P.S. 115Q believes that grading has a purposeful and useful role in our school.  It is the school’s desire to make the process both meaningful and helpful to teachers, students, and families. The P.S. 115Q grading policy follows New York City Department of Education policies and guidelines and reflects professional evaluation by teachers.

Grades, based on documentation, participation, performance, and work habits of each individual student, are given on the basis of sound measurement techniques. Students earn grades; teachers do not give grades. Parents are encouraged to talk to their children about schoolwork and grades and contact teachers (first) and administrators (second) whenever there is a question regarding grading.

Grading and Reporting Requirements

Pre-Kindergarten

Assessed in the following areas:

Pre-K Standards

  • Domain 1: Approaches to Learning
  • Domain 2: Physical Development and Health
  • Domain 3: Social and Emotional Development
  • Domain 4: Communication, Language, and Literacy
  • Domain 5: Cognition and Knowledge of the World; Including Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, and The Arts

Report Cards

Pre-K students do not receive report cards.

The November and March Parent Teacher Conferences will afford parents the opportunity to meet with their child’s teacher to discuss their child’s progress towards meeting the Pre-K Standards.

Kindergarten through Grade 5

Assessed in the following areas:

  • English Language Arts: (Reading, Writing, Listening, Speaking, and Language)
  • Mathematics
  • Science
  • Social Studies
  • Physical Education
  • Arts (Music, Visual Art, Drama/Theater)
  • Library/Media
  • Technology
  • English as a New Language (only for students receiving mandated ENL instruction)
  • Academic and Personal Behaviors
  • Social-Emotional Development

Report Cards

Report Cards will be available for families to view in your NYC Schools Account (NYCSA) at the end of each marking period (December, March, June). 

Kindergarten students will receive grades for all subject areas as indicated to the left however grades for a few sub-components in math, science, and social studies will only be given in March and June due to the scope and sequence of our curriculum as well as the developmental readiness of students. 

Students who have been newly admitted to our school will receive a grade if they have attended school for a minimum of 75% of the days within a marking period. If they have attended school for less than 75% of the days in the marking period, they will receive a mark of NL (Newly admitted) for that marking period. Students who have excessive absences and little work will receive a mark of NC if there is insufficient information at the time to determine whether a student has met standards.

Classroom performance is measured by a variety of indicators such as participation during whole group and small group lessons, classwork, tasks, assignments, projects, asynchronous work, one on one conferences, small group work, etc.

Students who missed assignments will have up to a week to make up any missed assignments from their original due date.  If they are absent due to illness, they will have up to two weeks from the day they return to make up any missed assignments.

Please note that when you receive your child’s report card in June, there will be grades for marking period 3, as well as a final grade which will be an average of the overall grades from marking periods 1, 2, and 3.

Procedure for Changing a Student’s Report Card Grades, Changing Attendance, or Changing Number of Days Late

Once report cards have been distributed to families in your NYC Schools Account (NYCSA), (December, March, June) any changes to report card grades, attendance, or number of days late must be approved by the Principal or Assistant Principal.

  • Parents should report any discrepancies to classroom or cluster teachers within 2 days of the report card distribution date.
  • Classroom and cluster teachers will determine if grade, absences, number of days late should be changed. Teachers discuss change with Principal or Assistant Principal.
  • All changes to report card final grades, final attendance, and final number of days late must be made prior to July 1st of the year. The school year ends on June 30th and the new school year begins on July 1st.  Once the new school year begins, no changes can be made to grades from prior years.

Report Card Distribution

  • Marking Period 1 Report Card Distribution Date: December 15, 2025
  • Marking Period 2 Report Card Distribution Date: March 16, 2026
  • Marking Period 3 Report Card Distribution Date: June 26, 2026

Parent Teacher Conferences

  • Marking Period 1 Parent Teacher Conference Date: November 6, 2025
  • Marking Period 2 Parent Teacher Conference Date: March 5, 2026

Promotion and Retention of Students

Promotion and retention of students is determined based upon Chancellor’s Regulation A-501, which outlines promotion standards of students in grades K-12, as well as procedures for implementing the promotion policy.

PERFORMANCE LEVELS FOR ALL GRADES

Course Mark: ME

  • Description: Exceeds standards (5-point competency scale)
  • Numeric Equivalent: 95
  • Pass/Fail Equivalent: P

Course Mark: MA

  • Description: Above standards (5-point competency scale)
  • Numeric Equivalent: 85
  • Pass/Fail Equivalent: P

Course Mark: MT

  • Description: Meets standards (5-point competency scale)
  • Numeric Equivalent: 75
  • Pass/Fail Equivalent: P

Course Mark: MP

  • Description: Approaching standards (5-point competency scale)
  • Numeric Equivalent: 65
  • Pass/Fail Equivalent: P

Course Mark: MB

  • Description: Below standards (5-point competency scale)
  • Numeric Equivalent: 55
  • Pass/Fail Equivalent: F

Grading Policies (For Each Grade Level)

Kindergarten Grading Policy

Explanation of Grades

English Language Arts (ELA) Overall Grade/Teacher: ELA is composed of the Average of Overall Reading, Writing, Listening, Speaking and Language Components listed below.

Reading/Teacher Average of the following components:

  • Identifies letters by letter name and sound and uses letter sounds to read familiar and/or new words: 50% Formal Assessment, 50% Classroom Performance
  • Demonstrates understanding of spoken words, syllables, and sounds: 50% Informal Assessment, 50% Classroom Performance
  • Demonstrates understanding of the organization and basic features of print: 50% Informal Assessment, 50% Classroom Performance
  • Reads emergent-reader texts (fiction and nonfiction) with purpose and understanding: 50% Informal Assessments, 50% Classroom Performance

Writing/Teacher Average of the following components:

  • Uses a combination of writing, drawing, and/or dictating for a variety of purposes- 70% Classroom Performance, 30% Formal Assessment
  • Uses knowledge of letters and sounds in writing: 70% Classroom Performance, 30% Formal Assessment

Listening, Speaking, and Language/Teacher Average of the following components:

  • During collaborative discussions, expresses ideas with clarity and relevant, descriptive detail: Content Area – 70% Whole group; 30% Small group lesson discussions
  • Asks and answers questions with appropriate detail: 70% Whole Group Discussion, 30% Small Group Discussion

Mathematics (Overall Grade)/Teacher Average of the following components:

  • Demonstrates an understanding of mathematical concepts: 70% Classroom Performance, 30% Formal Assessments
  • Solves problems in multiple ways and explains solutions (marking periods 2 and 3 only): 70% Classroom Performance, 30% Formal Assessments

Science (Overall Grade)/Teacher Average of the following components:

  • Demonstrates an understanding of science content and concepts: 70% Classroom Performance, 30% Formal Assessments
  • Uses beginning reading, writing, and mathematics to gather, interpret, and use evidence in science content and concepts: 70% Classroom Performance, 30% Formal Assessments
  • Makes and tests predictions, seeks answers, and develops solutions (marking periods 2 and 3 only): 70% Classroom Performance, 30% Formal Assessments

Social Studies and History (Overall Grade)/Teacher Average of the following components:

  • Demonstrates an understanding of social studies content and concepts: 70% Classroom Performance, 30% Formal Assessments
  • Uses beginning reading and writing to gather, interpret, and use evidence in social studies content and concepts: 70% Classroom Performance, 30% Formal Assessments
  • Applies critical thinking to extend understanding of content and concepts (marking periods 2 and 3 only): 70% Classroom Performance, 30% Formal Assessments

Physical Education/Teacher:

  • 40% Mastery of Skills, 20% Participation/Effort, 20% Knowledge of concepts, principles, tactics, strategies, 20% Conduct- Exhibits responsible personal and social behavior that respects self and others

Arts: Visual Arts, Dance, and/or Music (Overall Grade)/Teacher:

  • Art Cluster = 40% Creativity/Skill, 40% Effort (citizenship, cooperation, attentiveness), 20% Participation
  • Drama/Theater Cluster = 40% Classroom Performance, 30% Participation, 30% Effort
  • Music Cluster = 50% Classroom effort (attentiveness, citizenship, cooperation) , 25% Classroom Performance, 25% Understanding Musical Concepts

Library/Media Cluster:

  • 50% Classroom Effort (citizenship, cooperation, attentiveness), 40% Classroom Performance, 10% Participation

Technology Cluster:

  • 50% Effort (citizenship, cooperation, attentiveness), 30% Classwork, 20% Participation

English as a New Language/ ENL Teacher:

  • 50% Classroom participation, 50% Classroom Performance
  • Uses English to understand and apply information for content area learning and personal use: student progress in: 25% Reading, 25% Writing, 25% Listening, 25% Speaking

Academic and Personal Behaviors (Overall Grade)/Teacher Average of the following components:

  • Manages time and consistently demonstrates effort to independently achieve goals: 100% Classroom Performance
  • Works in an organized manner: 100% Classroom Performance
  • Persists through challenges to complete a task by trying different strategies: 100% Classroom Performance
  • Asks for help when needed: 100% Classroom Performance
  • Respects school rules and works well in the school community: 100% Classroom/School Performance

Social Emotional Development:

  • 100% Classroom Performance

Grade 1 Grading Policy

Explanation of Grades

English Language Arts (ELA) Overall Grade/Teacher: ELA is composed of the Average of Overall Reading, Writing, Listening, Speaking and Language Components listed below.

Reading/Teacher Average of the following components:

  • Uses letter-sound relationships to figure out new words: 60% Formal Assessments, 40% Classroom Performance
  • Reads with sufficient accuracy and fluency to support comprehension: 60% Formal Assessments, 40% Classroom Performance
  • Reads and comprehends grade-level texts independently across a variety of genres (fiction and nonfiction): 60% Classroom Performance, 40% Formal Assessments
  • Demonstrates comprehension by referring to text details: 60% Formal Assessments, 40% Classroom Performance

Writing / Teacher  Average of following components:

  • Writes independently for different tasks, purposes, and audiences (opinion, informative/explanatory, narrative): 60% Classroom Performance, 40% Writing Rubric Score
  • Uses details and facts from text in writing to further meaning: 60% Classroom Performance, 40% Writing Rubric Score Revises writing to clarify and add details as needed: 60% Classroom Performance, 40% Writing Rubric Score

Listening, Speaking, and Language / Teacher  Average of the following components:

  • During collaborative discussions, expresses ideas with clarity, appropriate facts, and relevant, descriptive detail: 100% Teacher Observation of participation during turn-and-talk and whole class/small group discussions. 
  • Uses and understands a wide range of vocabulary: 50% Classroom Performance, 50% Class participation
  • Uses appropriate writing mechanics, spelling, and grammar: 50% Writing Rubric scores (Mechanics and spelling only from the rubric), 50% Classroom Performance

Mathematics (Overall Grade) / Teacher  Average of the following components:

  • Demonstrates an understanding of mathematical concepts: 60% Formal Assessments Illustrative Math, 40% Classroom Performance
  • Solves problems with precision and accuracy: 60% Formal Assessments Illustrative Math, 40% Classroom Performance   
  • Solves problems in multiple ways and explains solutions:  60% Formal Assessments Illustrative Math, 40% Classroom Performance

Science (Overall Grade) / Teacher  Average of the following components:

  • Demonstrates an understanding of science content and concepts: 60% Lab Work/Classroom Performance, 40% Performance Assessments
  • Uses beginning reading, writing, and mathematics to gather, interpret, and use evidence in science content and concepts: 60% Lab Work/Classroom Performance, 40% Performance Assessments
  • Makes and tests predictions, seeks answers, and develops solutions: 60% Lab Work/Classroom Performance, 40% Performance Assessments

Social Studies and History (Overall Grade) / Teacher  Average of the following components:

  • Demonstrates an understanding of social studies content and concepts: 60% Classroom Performance,  40% Performance Assessments
  • Uses reading and writing to gather, interpret, and use evidence in social studies content and concepts: 60% Classroom Performance, 40% Performance Assessments
  • Applies critical thinking to extend understanding of content and concepts: 60% Classroom Performance, 40% Performance Assessments

Physical Education/Teacher:

  • 40% Mastery of Skills , 20% Participation/Effort, 20% Knowledge of concepts, principles, tactics, strategies, 20% Conduct-Exhibits responsible personal and social behavior that respects self and others

Arts: Visual Arts, Dance, and/or Music (Overall Grade)/Teacher:

  • Art Cluster = 40% Creativity/Skill, 40% Effort (citizenship, cooperation, attentiveness), 20% Participation
  • Drama/Theater Cluster = 40% Classroom Performance, 30% Participation, 30% Effort
  • Music Cluster = 50% Classroom effort (attentiveness, citizenship, cooperation), 25% Classroom Performance, 25% Understanding Musical Concepts

Library/Media Cluster:

  • 50% Classroom Effort (citizenship, cooperation, attentiveness), 40% Classroom Performance, 10% Participation

Technology Cluster:

  • 50% Effort (citizenship, cooperation, attentiveness), 30% Classwork, 20% Participation

English as a New Language/ ENL Teacher:

  • 50% Classroom participation, 50% Classroom Performance
  • Uses English to understand and apply information for content area learning and personal use: student progress in: 25% Reading, 25% Writing, 25% Listening, 25% Speaking

Academic and Personal Behaviors (Overall Grade)/Teacher Average of the following components:

  • Manages time and consistently demonstrates effort to independently achieve goals: 100% Classroom Performance
  • Works in an organized manner: 100% Classroom Performance
  • Persists through challenges to complete a task by trying different strategies: 100% Classroom Performance
  • Asks for help when needed: 100% Classroom Performance
  • Respects school rules and works well in the school community: 100% Classroom/School Performance

Social Emotional Development:

  • 100% Classroom Performance

Grade 2 Grading Policy

Explanation of Grades

English Language Arts (ELA) Overall Grade/Teacher: ELA is composed of the Average of Overall Reading, Writing, Listening, Speaking and Language Components listed below.

Reading / Teacher  Average of the following components:

  • Uses letter-sound relationships to figure out new words: 80% Fundations Assessments, 20% Classroom Performance
  • Reads with sufficient accuracy and fluency to support comprehension: 80% Formal Assessments, 20% Classroom Performance
  • Reads and comprehends grade level texts independently across a variety of genres (fiction and nonfiction): 80% Formal Assessment, 20% Classroom Performance
  • Demonstrates comprehension by referring to text details: 80% Formal Assessments, 20% Classroom Performance

Writing / Teacher  Average of the following components:

  • Writes independently for different tasks, purposes, and audiences (opinion, informative/explanatory, narrative): 80% Writing Rubric Score,  20% Classroom Performance
  • Uses details and facts from text in writing to further meaning:  80% Writing Rubric Score,  20% Classroom Performance
  • Revises writing to clarify and add details as needed: 80% Writing Rubric Score,20% Classroom Performance

Listening, Speaking, and Language / Teacher  Average of the following components:

  • During collaborative discussions, expresses ideas with clarity, appropriate facts, and relevant, descriptive detail: 100% Classroom Performance- participation during turn-and-talk and whole class/small group discussions. 
  • Uses and understands a wide range of vocabulary: 80% Formal Assessments, 20% Classroom Performance
  • Uses appropriate writing mechanics, spelling, and grammar: 50% Fundations Assessments, 25% Formal Assessments, 25% Classroom Performance

Mathematics (Overall Grade) / Teacher  Average of the following components:

  • Demonstrates an understanding of mathematical concepts: 80% Formal Assessments, 20% Classroom Performance
  • Solves problems with precision and accuracy: 80% Formal Assessments, 20% Classroom Performance
  • Solves problems in multiple ways and explains solutions: 80% Formal Assessments, 20% Classroom Performance

Science (Overall Grade) / Teacher  Average of the following components:

  • Demonstrates an understanding of science content and concepts: 80% Lab Work/Formal Assessments, 20% Classroom Performance
  • Uses reading, writing, and mathematics to gather, interpret, and use evidence in science content and concepts: 80% Formal Assessments, 20% Classroom Performance/ Partner Work   
  • Makes and tests predictions, seeks answers, and develops solutions: 80% Lab Work/Formal Assessments, 20% Classroom Performance/ Partner Work

Social Studies and History (Overall Grade) / Teacher  Average of the following components:

  • Demonstrates an understanding of social studies content and concepts:  50% Formal Assessments; 25% Classroom Performance, 25% Projects
  • Uses reading and writing to gather, interpret, and use evidence in social studies content and concepts:  50% Formal Assessments,  25% Classroom Performance, 25% Projects
  • Applies critical thinking to extend understanding of content and concepts: 50% Formal Assessments,  25% Classroom Performance, 25% Projects

Physical Education/Teacher:

  • 40% Mastery of Skills , 20% Participation/Effort, 20% Knowledge of concepts, principles, tactics, strategies, 20% Conduct-Exhibits responsible personal and social behavior that respects self and others

Arts: Visual Arts, Dance, and/or Music (Overall Grade)/Teacher:

  • Art Cluster = 40% Creativity/Skill, 40% Effort (citizenship, cooperation, attentiveness), 20% Participation
  • Drama/Theater Cluster = 40% Classroom Performance, 30% Participation, 30% Effort
  • Music Cluster = 50% Classroom effort (attentiveness, citizenship, cooperation), 25% Classroom Performance, 25% Understanding Musical Concepts

Library/Media Cluster:

  • 50% Classroom Effort (citizenship, cooperation, attentiveness), 40% Classroom Performance, 10% Participation

Technology Cluster:

  • 50% Effort (citizenship, cooperation, attentiveness), 30% Classwork, 20% Participation

English as a New Language/ ENL Teacher:

  • 50% Classroom participation, 50% Classroom Performance
  • Uses English to understand and apply information for content area learning and personal use: student progress in: 25% Reading, 25% Writing, 25% Listening, 25% Speaking

Academic and Personal Behaviors (Overall Grade) / Teacher Average of the following components:

  • Manages time and consistently demonstrates effort to independently achieve goals: 100% Classroom Performance
  • Works in an organized manner: 100% Classroom Performance
  • Persists through challenges to complete a task by trying different strategies: 100% Classroom Performance
  • Asks for help when needed: 100% Classroom Performance
  • Respects school rules and works well in the school community: 100% Classroom/School Performance

Social Emotional Development

  • 100% Classroom Performance

Grade 3 Grading Policy

Explanation of Grades

English Language Arts (ELA) Overall Grade/Teacher: ELA is composed of the Average of Overall Reading, Writing, Listening, Speaking and Language Components listed below.

Reading / Teacher  Average of the following components:

  • Reads and comprehends grade level texts independently across a variety of genres (fiction and nonfiction): 50% Reading Comprehension Assessments, 50% Classroom Performance
  • Demonstrates comprehension by referring to text details: 50% Reading Responses; 50% Classroom Performance

Writing / Teacher  Average of the following components:

  • Writes independently for different tasks, purposes, and audiences (opinion, informative/explanatory, narrative): 60% Writing Rubrics Score/ 40% Classroom Performance
  • Uses details and facts from text in writing to further meaning: 80% Writing Rubrics Score/ 20% Classroom Performance
  • Revises writing to clarify and add details as needed: 60% Writing Rubrics Score/ 40% Classroom Performance

Listening, Speaking, and Language / Teacher  Average of the following components:

  • During collaborative discussions, expresses ideas with clarity, appropriate facts, and relevant, descriptive detail: 50% Whole class participation; 50% small group participation
  • Uses and understands a wide range of vocabulary: 50% whole group discussions; 50% small group discussions
  • Uses correct grammar, mechanics, and spelling: 50% Fundations Assessments, 50% Classroom Discussions

Mathematics / Teacher  Average of the following components:

  • Demonstrates an understanding of mathematical concepts: 80% Formal Assessments, 20% Classroom Performance
  • Solves problems with precision and accuracy: 60%  Formal Assessments, 40% Classroom Performance
  • Solves problems in multiple ways and explains solutions: 50% Classroom Performance, 50% Projects

Science (Overall Grade) / Teacher  Average of the following components:

  • Demonstrates an understanding of science content and concepts: 50% Lab Work/Classroom Performance, 50% Formal Assessments
  • Uses reading, writing, and mathematics to gather, interpret, and use evidence in science content and concepts: 50% Lab Work/Classroom Performance; 50% Formal Assessments
  • Makes and tests predictions, seeks answers, and develops solutions: 50% Lab Work/Classroom Performance, 50% Formal Assessments

Social Studies and History / Teacher  Average of the following components:

  • Demonstrates an understanding of social studies content and concepts: 80% Social Studies PBAs (Performance Based Assessments), 20% Classroom Performance
  • Uses reading and writing to gather, interpret, and use evidence in social studies content and concepts: 60% Social Studies PBAs (Performance Based Assessments), 40% Classroom Performance
  • Applies critical thinking to extend understanding of content and concepts: 50% Classroom Performance, 50% Projects

Physical Education/Teacher:

  • 40% Mastery of Skills , 20% Participation/Effort, 20% Knowledge of concepts, principles, tactics, strategies, 20% Conduct-Exhibits responsible personal and social behavior that respects self and others

Arts: Visual Arts, Dance, and/or Music (Overall Grade)/Teacher:

  • Art Cluster = 40% Creativity/Skill, 40% Effort (citizenship, cooperation, attentiveness), 20% Participation
  • Drama/Theater Cluster = 40% Classroom Performance, 30% Participation, 30% Effort
  • Music Cluster = 50% Classroom effort (attentiveness, citizenship, cooperation), 25% Classroom Performance, 25% Understanding Musical Concepts

Library/Media Cluster:

  • 50% Classroom Effort (citizenship, cooperation, attentiveness), 40% Classroom Performance, 10% Participation

Technology Cluster:

  • 50% Effort (citizenship, cooperation, attentiveness), 30% Classwork, 20% Participation

English as a New Language/ ENL Teacher:

  • 50% Classroom participation, 50% Classroom Performance
  • Uses English to understand and apply information for content area learning and personal use: student progress in: 25% Reading, 25% Writing, 25% Listening, 25% Speaking

Academic and Personal Behaviors (Overall Grade) / Teacher Average of the following components:

  • Manages time and consistently demonstrates effort to independently achieve goals: 100% Classroom Performance
  • Works in an organized manner: 100% Classroom Performance
  • Persists through challenges to complete a task by trying different strategies: 100% Classroom Performance
  • Asks for help when needed: 100% Classroom Performance
  • Respects school rules and works well in the school community: 100% Classroom/School Performance

Social Emotional Development

  • 100% Classroom Performance

Grade 4 Grading Policy

Explanation of Grades

English Language Arts (ELA) Overall Grade/Teacher: ELA is composed of the Average of Overall Reading, Writing, Listening, Speaking and Language Components listed below.

Reading / Teacher  Average of the following components:

  • Reads and comprehends grade level texts independently across a variety of genres (fiction and nonfiction): 80% Formal Assessments (The average of HmH assessments), 20% Classroom Performance
  • Demonstrates comprehension by referring to text details:  80% Reading Responses; 20% Classroom Performance

Writing / Teacher  Average of the following components:

  • Writes independently for different tasks, purposes, and audiences: 80% HmH Writing Rubrics Scores, 20% Classroom Performance
  • Uses details and facts from text in writing to further meaning: 80% Elaboration scores from HmH published pieces, 20% Classroom Performance
  • Revises writing to clarify and add details as needed: 100% Applies feedback and suggestions to revise published writing

Listening, Speaking, and Language / Teacher  Average of the following components:

  • During collaborative discussions, expresses ideas with clarity, appropriate facts, and relevant, descriptive detail: 50% Whole class participation; 50% small group participation
  • Uses and understands a wide range of vocabulary:  80% HmH reading/writing rubric ; 20% discussions
  • Uses correct grammar, mechanics, and spelling: 50% Language conventions section from HmH writing rubric, 50% Classroom Performance

Mathematics / Teacher  Average of the following components:

  • Demonstrates an understanding of mathematical concepts: 80%  Formal Assessments, 20% Classroom Performance
  • Solves problems with precision and accuracy: 80% Formal Assessments, 20% Classroom Performance
  • Solves problems in multiple ways and explains solutions: 80% Formal Assessments, 20% Classroom Performance

Science (Overall Grade) / Teacher  Average of the following components:

  • Demonstrates an understanding of science content and concepts: 80% Classroom Performance, 20% Formal Assessments
  • Uses reading, writing, and mathematics to gather, interpret, and use evidence in science content and concepts: 80% Classroom Performance; 20% Formal Assessments
  • Makes and tests predictions, seeks answers, and develops solutions: 80% Formal Assessments, 20% Classroom Performance

Social Studies and History / Teacher  Average of the following components:

  • Demonstrates an understanding of social studies content and concepts: 80% Social Studies PBAs (Performance Based Assessments),  20% Classroom Performance
  • Uses reading and writing to gather, interpret, and use evidence in social studies content and concepts: 80% Social Studies PBAs (Performance Based Assessments), 20% Classroom Performance
  • Applies critical thinking to extend understanding of content and concepts: 80% Social Studies PBAs (Performance Based Assessments), 20% Classroom Performance

Physical Education/Teacher:

  • 40% Mastery of Skills , 20% Participation/Effort, 20% Knowledge of concepts, principles, tactics, strategies, 20% Conduct-Exhibits responsible personal and social behavior that respects self and others

Arts: Visual Arts, Dance, and/or Music (Overall Grade)/Teacher:

  • Art Cluster = 40% Creativity/Skill, 40% Effort (citizenship, cooperation, attentiveness), 20% Participation
  • Drama/Theater Cluster = 40% Classroom Performance, 30% Participation, 30% Effort
  • Music Cluster = 50% Classroom effort (attentiveness, citizenship, cooperation), 25% Classroom Performance, 25% Understanding Musical Concepts

Library/Media Cluster:

  • 50% Classroom Effort (citizenship, cooperation, attentiveness), 40% Classroom Performance, 10% Participation

Technology Cluster:

  • 50% Effort (citizenship, cooperation, attentiveness), 30% Classwork, 20% Participation

English as a New Language/ ENL Teacher:

  • 50% Classroom participation, 50% Classroom Performance
  • Uses English to understand and apply information for content area learning and personal use: student progress in: 25% Reading, 25% Writing, 25% Listening, 25% Speaking

Academic and Personal Behaviors (Overall Grade) / Teacher Average of the following components:

  • Manages time and consistently demonstrates effort to independently achieve goals: 100% Classroom Performance
  • Works in an organized manner: 100% Classroom Performance
  • Persists through challenges to complete a task by trying different strategies: 100% Classroom Performance
  • Asks for help when needed: 100% Classroom Performance
  • Respects school rules and works well in the school community: 100% Classroom/School Performance

Social Emotional Development

  • 100% Classroom Performance

Grade 5 Grading Policy

Explanation of Grades

English Language Arts (ELA) Overall Grade/Teacher: ELA is composed of the Average of Overall Reading, Writing, Listening, Speaking and Language Components listed below.

Reading / Teacher  Average of the following components:

  • Reads and comprehends grade level texts independently across a variety of genres (fiction and nonfiction): 80% Formal Assessments (The average of HmH assessments), 20% Classroom Performance
  • Demonstrates comprehension by referring to text details:  80% Reading Responses; 20% Classroom Performance

Writing / Teacher  Average of the following components:

  • Writes independently for different tasks, purposes, and audiences (opinion, informative/explanatory, narrative): 80% HMH  published pieces, 20% HMH End of Module Writing Test
  • Uses details and facts from text in writing to further meaning: 80% Development  scores from published pieces, 20% Overall Classroom Performance
  • Revises writing to clarify and add details as needed: 100% Applies feedback and suggestions from teacher, peer, and self to revise published writing

Listening, Speaking, and Language / Teacher  Average of the following components:

  • During collaborative discussions, expresses ideas with clarity, appropriate facts, and relevant, descriptive detail: 80% Whole class participation; 20% small group participation
  • Uses and understands a wide range of vocabulary: 80% Vocabulary Quiz,  20% discussions
  • Uses correct grammar, mechanics, and spelling: 50% HMH published pieces, 50% of Module Grammar Tests

  Mathematics / Teacher  Average of the following components:

  • Demonstrates an understanding of mathematical concepts: 80% Assessments, 20% Classroom Performance
  • Solves problems with precision and accuracy: 80% Assessments, 20% Classroom Performance   
  • Solves problems in multiple ways and explains solutions: 100% Classroom Performance

Science (Overall Grade) / Teacher  Average of the following components:

  • Demonstrates an understanding of science content and concepts: 80% Formal Assessments, 20% Group Work/Classroom Performance
  • Uses reading, writing, and mathematics to gather, interpret, and use evidence in science content and concepts: 80% Group Work/Classroom Performance, 20% Formal Assessments   
  • Makes and tests predictions, seeks answers, and develops solutions: 80% Formal Assessments, 20% Group Work/Classroom Performance

Social Studies and History / Teacher  Average of the following components:

  • Demonstrates an understanding of social studies content and concepts: 80% Social Studies unit projects, 20% Classroom Performance
  • Uses reading and writing to gather, interpret, and use evidence in social studies content and concepts: 50% independent/group tasks, 50% Classroom Performance
  • Applies critical thinking to extend understanding of content and concepts: 80% Projects, 20% Classroom Performance

Physical Education/Teacher:

  • 40% Mastery of Skills , 20% Participation/Effort, 20% Knowledge of concepts, principles, tactics, strategies, 20% Conduct-Exhibits responsible personal and social behavior that respects self and others

Arts: Visual Arts, Dance, and/or Music (Overall Grade)/Teacher:

  • Art Cluster = 40% Creativity/Skill, 40% Effort (citizenship, cooperation, attentiveness), 20% Participation
  • Drama/Theater Cluster = 40% Classroom Performance, 30% Participation, 30% Effort
  • Music Cluster = 50% Classroom effort (attentiveness, citizenship, cooperation), 25% Classroom Performance, 25% Understanding Musical Concepts

Library/Media Cluster:

  • 50% Classroom Effort (citizenship, cooperation, attentiveness), 40% Classroom Performance, 10% Participation

Technology Cluster:

  • 50% Effort (citizenship, cooperation, attentiveness), 30% Classwork, 20% Participation

English as a New Language/ ENL Teacher:

  • 50% Classroom participation, 50% Classroom Performance
  • Uses English to understand and apply information for content area learning and personal use: student progress in: 25% Reading, 25% Writing, 25% Listening, 25% Speaking

Academic and Personal Behaviors (Overall Grade) / Teacher Average of the following components:

  • Manages time and consistently demonstrates effort to independently achieve goals: 100% Classroom Performance
  • Works in an organized manner: 100% Classroom Performance
  • Persists through challenges to complete a task by trying different strategies: 100% Classroom Performance
  • Asks for help when needed: 100% Classroom Performance
  • Respects school rules and works well in the school community: 100% Classroom/School Performance

Social Emotional Development

  • 100% Classroom Performance