Communicating Student Learning

Communicating student learning is the new focus this year in our district. We have started using a new format that involves more contact and communication with parents and only one formal report card that will be sent out in June. At first glance, you might think that this will provide less accountability for the students and you might wonder if there will be many students slipping through the cracks. I hear you, several of my colleagues have wondered the same thing. However, after one month of school, and only 3 weeks with our new students, I have fewer concerns now.
We will be sending out rubrics that focus on different aspects of learning throughout the year, creating portfolios of work to send home periodically, or to be emailed as an e-portfolio, and holding 2 three-way conferences (student led conferences). In addition, we will be sending home updates regularly via newsletters, email, etc.

We have rubrics for each of the subject areas and for learning behaviors. These rubrics will be completed a few times during the year and then a full report card will be sent home at the end of the year with all the rubrics in it.
I just completed the first set of rubrics for learning behaviors and social behaviors that are necessary for success. This was very appropriate for the beginning of the year as we started out the year learning about the classroom and school rules and routines and we focused on developing positive self esteem.

I created a checklist so that we can keep track of which rubrics have been sent out and when they were sent out. Teachers also wanted to have a place to keep track of their newsletters and other media sent out as well. If you would like a copy clickhere.

Our first student led conferences will be held at the beginning of November. At this time, we will have reported on some of the academics that we have been working on, and this will allow us to focus on areas of success and concern at the meeting.

Student led conferences are a very rewarding experience for the students and parents. I have used this format for years and it never ceases to lose its impact. I have a specific package of materials that I have used successfully for these conferences. If you would like to check it out, click here.

This is our first year with this style of reporting, so there will surely be some challenges along the way, but it has started out well. I will give updates as we take this journey. I would love to know what others are doing with reporting and communicating student learning.