Elementary report cards will be distributed in the next few weeks. A report card communicates a student's learning progress during the grading period. All Highline schools use standards-based grading (SBG).
The Standards-Based Grading Difference
All Highline schools use standards-based grading. This approach measures how well a student is learning grade-level standards set by the state. Unlike traditional grading, which often combines points for assignments, effort, and behavior, SBG focuses only on progress toward academic standards.
Students are given multiple opportunities to show their learning. Mastering a standard may take time—and that’s okay. The goal is to support each student’s learning journey, not just their performance on one assignment.
Elementary Report Cards
Next to each essential standard, you will see a score of X, 1, 2, 3, or 4 on the report card.
- X - Not evaluated at this time because it has not yet been covered in class
- 1 - Demonstrates a basic understanding of the concept and/or ability to perform the skill
- 2 - Demonstrates progress toward understanding the concept and/or ability to perform the skill
- 3 - Demonstrates a complete and correct understanding of the concept and/or the ability to perform the skill
- 4 - Demonstrates extended and complex understanding of the concept and or/skill of the standard
Some standards include many different skills. For example, one standard may expect students to add, subtract, multiply and divide. Students may learn how to add and subtract in the fall and how to multiply and divide later in the school year. In that situation, the student would receive a 3 in their fall report card, indicating that they have mastered the part of the standard that has been taught.
What About Behavior?
Behavior is reported separately through teacher comments and during parent-teacher conferences. In Highline, we promote behaviors that lead to successful learning and provide incentives other than grades.
Students Who Qualify for English Language Learning Services
Students who are learning English aren't just working towards learning standards; they are also acquiring the skills to read, write, and speak a new language. Teachers will communicate to you about what to expect for mastering standards and how to support your student’s learning.
Students Who Qualify For An IEP
If your child has an Individualized Education Program (IEP), you will receive updates on IEP goals. Instruction and grading may be modified based on your child’s needs. A modified grading scale is only used when specified in the IEP.
Report Card Examples
To see an example of what to expect on your child’s report card, visit our report card webpage.
More Information
Please contact your student’s teacher or principal with questions about your child's learning and progress.
Visit our standards-based grading web section to learn more about this instructional approach in Highline.