Assessing and Reporting Grades

Chalkboard with pencil holder

West Ada's Philosophy

The goal of the West Ada School District is to assess and report student achievement in a manner that clearly measures what students know, do, and understand based on a clearly identified set of learning targets aligned to state standards. We recognize learning is a process that takes place over time and is different for each student. Instruction in West Ada allows students to demonstrate levels of understanding communicated with scores that are accurate, consistent, meaningful, and supportive of learning:

  •  Accurate: By basing a student's score solely on evidence of academic learning, the teacher creates a clear picture of what the student has learned without the influence of other factors, such as effort and attitude.

  •  Consistent: The use of proficiency scales describes exactly what the student will need to master and establishes clear expectations of what needs to be learned. All teachers will use proficiency scales based on the same identified priority standards throughout the district.

  •  Meaningful: A meaningful score is one that clearly communicates to students, teachers, and parents what learning has taken place and what learning still needs to occur.

  • Supportive of Learning: This approach supports learning by focusing on meaningful scores that allow new levels of learning to replace old scores when a student shows improvement.

Academic grades should provide specific, timely feedback to improve student performance. Non-academic factors should not be included in academic grades. Examples of non-academic factors are behavior, responsibility, participation, effort, homework completion, late work, neatness, and extra credit.

In West Ada, student learning is focused on proficiency. Proficiency is the mastery of skills and knowledge demonstrated at each level of learning.

It is important students stay on top of assignments as late work may impact their ability to become proficient. It is recommended students continue to revise work to improve knowledge and skills, therefore, improving their learning.

Grading in Elementary Schools

In West Ada, an elementary student's learning is focused on the priority standards, which are the key skills and knowledge for a content area (i.e., math, reading, health, music, etc.). At the beginning of every unit, teacher teams create lessons using proficiency scales. A proficiency scale is an instructional tool that provides information for teachers, students, and parents on levels of understanding while learning the skills and knowledge in a priority standard. During the unit, the student is frequently assessed to gauge understanding and application of the material. Teachers use a variety of assessments, such as traditional pencil and paper tests, projects, discussions, or reports. Grades are based on evidence the teacher collects demonstrating a student's mastery of the essential priority standards.

Sample Math Proficiency Scale

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Sample Math Proficiency Scale

Grading in Secondary Schools

In West Ada, a secondary student's learning is focused on progress toward proficiency of the priority standards, which are the key skills and knowledge for a content area (i.e., math, ELA, science, social studies, electives, etc.). Using board adopted curriculum aligned to Idaho State Standards, teacher teams create lessons aligned to proficiency scales. A proficiency scale is an instructional tool that provides information for teachers, students, and parents on levels of understanding while learning the skills and knowledge in a priority standard. Teachers use a variety of assessments, such as traditional pencil and paper tests, projects, discussions, or reports to gauge understanding and application of the material. Grades are based on evidence the teacher collects demonstrating a student's mastery of the essential priority standards.

Sample Social Studies Proficiency Scale

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Sample Social Studies Proficiency Scale

PowerSchool Resources

West Ada School District uses PowerSchool, which is an online application that allows teachers, parents, and school administrators to track and share information on students' progress and growth. Teachers in West Ada use PowerSchool to keep a record of students' academic progress and attendance. Parents can view their student’s information anytime by logging into their district PowerSchool account or using the mobile app provided by PowerSchool.

Click on the picture below to open the PowerSchool Resources page.

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