With last year's Common Core results trickling in, many schools are also sending out report cards that reflect what students are learning from the Common Core lessons. Both parents and students are wondering how this standardized testing will affect grades and how to read the results. Here is some insight:
What are Common Core grades?
The grades a student receives on the Common Core are based on how well they understand the concepts included in the standards. The standards are organized by domain and cluster. The domain refers to a group of standards that are related, while a cluster summarizes the group and the standards get into detail. Each standard reflects what students should have learned in their past grade levels and aims to ready children for post-secondary education and entering the workforce. To help your child prepare for the next round of testing, view the standards appropriate for his or her grade level on the Common Core State Standards Initiative website.
Students are scored on levels 1-4:
- Level 1: A level 1 score refers to grades that are well below proficient. The student did not reach the expectations for the grade and showed limited skills, practices and knowledge of the subject in question.
- Level 2 : Students who earn a level 2 score are partially proficient. They have some knowledge, skills and practices of the particular subject matter and are likely on track for graduation. They are not, however, masters of Common Core learning.
- Level 3: Those who receive a level 3 score are considered proficient in their grade and able to prove they have the abilities, knowledge and practices to pass in the subject at hand. They have earned a sufficient grade.
- Level 4: Students who score level 4 have excelled at the standard in their grade level. They have mastered the skills necessary to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the subject and have earned a more than sufficient grade.
It is important to note that Common Core grades are not rated on the same scale as other standardized testing. Students, parents and teachers should not try to compare Common Core scores with children's results on past state testing as they are incompatible. Instead, teachers must educate students at a more in-depth level in math, English and social studies to prepare them for upcoming tests. You can, however, place last year and this year's Common Core scores next to one another for comparison as they have been graded on a similar scale and will provide accurate insight into a student's growth.
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