Grading System

Middle School utilizes two systems for grading.  In our fifth grade we give a standards based progress grade based on the Massachusetts state standards.  This grade is an overall indication of how a student is progressing in a subject.  The final grade indicates whether or not a student has demonstrated sufficient evidence that they have met the standards.  Grades are E for Excellent progress, VG for Very Good Progress, G for Good Progress, S for Satisfactory Progress and NI for Needs Improvement.  Students are also evaluated on a progressive standards based portfolio system.  This is a combination of student selected work, teacher selected work and reflections towards learning.  Students, parents and teachers meet twice a year to evaluate progress through the portfolio.  For more a more detailed description of standards please visit: http://www.doe.mass.edu/frameworks/current.html

Middle School grades 6-8 are evaluated on the traditional A-F standard.  (See below for percentile break down.)  However, students are not assigned GPA, or Grade Point Averages, in middle School.  We also do not award cumulative credits.  Students progress from grade level to grade level based on a combination of assessment strategies.  This allows students multiple opportunities to demonstrate learning. 

Students in the middle school create assessment portfolios.  These portfolios are a cumulative and collaborative effort with the teacher.  Twice a year students, parents and teachers meet to evaluate progress through the portfolio.  Students select work which they feel accurate demonstrates their ability level and accomplishments.  Students reflect on which skills and content standards are emphasized by each piece.  Teachers also select benchmark pieces for inclusion in the portfolio.  These pieces are selected on an individual and whole group basis.  Students maintain and present the portfolio to their parent and the teacher to evaluate progress towards the standards of their grade level. 

In grades five and six the portfolio is a tool for determining progress only.  This is also a chance for students to master the making and maintain of the portfolio.  Its evaluation is part of the quarter grade each quarter. 

In grades seven and eight the portfolio becomes an integral part of the evaluation system.  Students are given specific portfolio tasks to complete and the entire portfolio for each subject becomes 20 percent of the semester grade.