Elementary Curriculum and Grading

Learn about how the Independence School District is training teachers and students in the most effective ways for students to learn how to be strong readers.

Family Literacy and Math Choice Boards

School and parent partnership is important to us. Families may use the grade level choice boards to extend learning beyond the school day. Click here to access!

Grading Practices (Kindergarten - 5th Grade)

Grading Philosophy & Learning Beliefs

Learning is our core purpose
Trusting relationships and commitment to our core values will foster learning at all levels
Effective teaching is the most essential factor in student learning
Effective leaders support continuous learner growth at all levels
ISD is committed to ensuring that every student learns and succeeds.

Proficiency Score Guide:

Meets M		Meets grade-level priority standard: Consistently meets requirement of proficient work Independently demonstrates acceptable level of knowledge and understanding
Approaching A		Approaching grade-level priority standard: Meets some requirements for proficient work Demonstrates some knowledge and understanding
Emerging E		Emerging grade-level priority standard: With support, beginning to meet some of the requirements for proficient work Demonstrates little knowledge and understanding
Below Expectation B		Below grade level priority standard: Unable to meet requirements for proficient work, even with support Demonstrates little or no knowledge and understanding

Grading Frequently Asked Questions

How will non-academic grades be factored into student's progress?
Non-academic factors such as effort, attitude, participation and behavior will be reported separately from your child's academic grade. You can find grades reported for these skills in the "Behaviors that Promote Learning" section of your child's progress report.

How many assessments play into my student's final progress report?
Teachers use a variety of formative and summative assessments that play into your child's grade. Students who are not meeting proficiency on the intended standard or learning goal will have the opportunity to relearn and reassess until they gain a solid understanding of the grade level standard.

How do I understand the progress report my child brings home?
Proficiency scores are not and cannot be related to a traditional grade. When a parent sees proficiency scores on a report, they should consider that the goal of that report is to provide them with information on their student's performance measured against content standards, not against other students.