4 is the new A

Dear Principle Trinket,

I am writing in regards to the new grading system found in my son, John Weiss’s, report card. He is a third grade student in your school and we are both very concerned about the lack of information the new grading system provides. It is difficult to understand what the new letter/number system means. When the system used A, B, C’s to report my son’s progress we were able to observe how he is doing compared to the other students in his class. I would like the grading system to change back so that I am better able to understand how my son is doing in school.
I look forward to hearing your explanation,

Sincerely,

Ms. Weiss



Dear Ms. Weiss,

Thank you for voicing your concerns with the new grading system. Many of the parents in the district are feeling similar confusion and are asking for clarification as well. Due to the uncertainty in comprehending the new grading system we will be having a workshop before the next parent teacher night. This workshop will explain in detail the new grading system and will help all parents to understand how it compares to the old system of grading. I hope that you will be able to attend.
The new grading system allows your child’s teacher to specifically assess progress towards meeting overall standards. The child is therefore not compared directly to other students but their learning is compared to the standards of learning for their age. By presenting students with grades in each skill area they are able to see if they are Masters, Working, Experiencing difficulties. The number system that follows the new letter grades helps to break down each skill even further. The old grading system tends to lump all abilities into one grade when in reality they may be mastering skills in one area and experiencing difficulties in another. The new system will alert parents, teachers and students, to problem areas and allow for intervention.
I hope that this letter has helped to clear up confusion with the new grading system and I strongly encourage you to attend the upcoming workshop. I strongly support communication between the school and the families who attend and would like to thank you again for voicing your concerns. Thank you.

Sincerely,

Janet Trinket