Q1: How do I know what my child is expected to know and be able to do at their grade level?
A1: Each family will receive (or you may have already) a grade level outcome sheet from your child's teacher during conferences. These outcome sheets are written by the Ann Arbor Public Schools and reflect Michigan's state educational standards. You can find out more about Michigan's content expectations by talking to yoru child's teacher or by going to the Michigan Department of Edcuations website (http://www.michigan.gov/mde/0,1607,7-140-6530_30334_51042-232021--,00.html).
Q2: Why doesn't my child get letter grades (A, B, C, etc.) on her report cards in Ann Arbor?
A2: Letter grades are a form of grading many parents are familiar with as part of their own educational experience. Grades as a form of grading are often subjective and do not necessarily reflect what a child knows or what they need to focus on next. Using the concepts reflected in the outcome sheets, more of a "standard" can be applied to teaching and learning for students. With the outcome sheets, Northside and the Ann Arbor Public Schools have established clear targets that reflect what the State of Michigan believes children should know and learn at a particular grade level.
When you look at your child's report card, you'll see reading and writing growth is measured in terms of continuous progress, which you might hear your child's teacher call "the continuum." This continuum shows which outcomes a child is currently achieving, which outcomes they have already achieved, and which outcomes they'll be focusing on next in their learning. Sometimes an outcome on the continuum is achieved quickly and other times mastery requires additional practice and time. This is marked for each student by teachers and reported to parents on the dates previously mentioned. Using this assessment information, teachers are better able to meet the individual needs of students wherever they fall along the continuum of skillfulness.
Q3: How do teachers determine a child's reading level?
A3: Periodically each student in class participates in a "running record" with their teacher. During a running record, the teacher listens to a child read and asks the child questions about the reading. Afterward, the information gathered during the running record can be analyzed to determine a child's current level of performance. It also gives information about what a child needs to work on to become a more proficient reader.
Q4: I noticed my second grader (for example) is not yet achieving some of the outcomes for second grade. Should I be concerned?
A4: The outcomes represent end of the year targets, so at this point in the year it is not always concerning. If you are concerned or have a question, please contact your child's teacher.
Q5: Is it OK to ask my child's teacher questions about their report card?
A5: Yes. Your child's teacher welcomes your questions. Please call, email or ask for an appointment with your child's teacher.
