Dear Parents,

In an effort to provide a complete understanding of the grading for second grade, the following explanation is presented:

As indicated on Grade 2 Report Card, the academic achievement codes in relation to NYS Common Core Standards and Diocese Curricula are as follows:

• 4- Student work is demonstrates a thorough and consistent understanding of grade level standards and objectives. Student completes work independently and integrates learned concepts and skills.
• 3- Student work demonstrates understanding of grade level standards and objectives. Student completes work satisfactorily and applies expected skills to work.
• 2- Student work demonstrates a partial understanding of grade level standards and objectives. Student exhibits inconsistent understanding and application of concepts and skills.
• 1 - Student work demonstrates minimal understanding of grade level standards and objectives; evidences very limited organizational, reasoning and critical thinking skills; completing independent tasks only with assistance, struggles with grade level standards and objectives producing less than expected work.

The grading of all tests, quizzes, and homework will reflect the achievement codes as stated above.

Homework: Periodically homework assignments will be collected for grading. A perfect score 3 would indicate a grade level understanding of the material.

Quizzes: Announced and unannounced quizzes are usually limited to a minimal number of concepts the child should possess after experiencing it in class work and homework. This understanding is considered to be on grade level.  A perfect score of 3 would indicate grade level understanding of the material. Quizzes will vary in length depending on the subject area.

Tests: Announced tests cover a broader range of topics and are usually given at the end of a chapter(s) or unit(s). The tests are divided into two parts- Content and Performance.

• The Content portion of the test allows the child to demonstrate an understanding of the terms/concepts presented. A perfect score 3 in this portion of the test would indicate grade level understanding of the material.

• The Performance section of the test provides the child an opportunity to apply one’s content knowledge to an extended response or demonstration question. A score of 4 on this section would demonstrate a thorough and consistent understanding of material.

Projects, book reports and other non-test assessments will be accompanied by a rubric included with the directions.

Since there many components in determining a child’s progress, they must be prioritized to decide a final assessment grade for the report card. The most weight is given to the performance questions, followed by the content questions and quizzes. Homework and all non-test assessments will receive the same priority as content questions and quizzes, since most of these assessments are completed at home.

Quizzes given weekly or biweekly will receive a maximum grade of 3 indicating that the student demonstrates an understanding of grade level standards and objectives and applies expected skills to work.

We hope this explanation clarifies any questions that you have regarding the grading for this year. Please contact us by note or email with any questions.

Thank you so much for your continued cooperation and assistance in providing the children a smooth transition into second grade.

Respectfully,

The Second Grade Teachers