How and Why is Your Child Graded?
Grading in Richardson ISD schools serves as a standardized method to assess student learning, provide feedback, motivate performance, and determine academic progression in the mastery of our State’s learning standards (Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills/TEKS).
RISD’s aligned K-12 grading guidelines create consistency in grading practices among campuses, grade levels and courses.RISD Grading Guidelines by Student’s Grade Level
Kindergarten
For Kinder students reporting progress will be marked using the rating scale and codes, based on the new Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) test.
1st-2nd Grade
In grades 1 and 2, student proficiency will be determined using a 1-4 scale, for all the amount of grades needed per subject as shown below:
| Score | Explanation |
|---|---|
| 4 | You understand the concept really well and can do the work on your own. You can even explain your thinking clearly or help others if they need it! |
| 3 | You mostly understand the concept and can do most of the work by yourself, but you might still need a little help or make a small mistake here and there. |
| 2 | You’re starting to understand, but you need a lot of help to finish the work. You’re still learning and practicing the concept. |
| 1 | The concept is still new or tricky for you. You need a lot of support and aren’t able to complete the work yet, but that’s okay — we’ll keep working on it together! |
| Subject | Reading | Writing | Math | Science | Social Studies |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of grades | 5-7 | 5-7 | 10-14 | 7-10 | 7-10 |
3rd-5th Grade
In grades 3 through 5, students will be assessed using a traditional grading scale, with a 100-point system as outlined below:
| Number Scale | Explanation |
|---|---|
| 90-100 | Above Average to Outstanding Progress |
| 80-89 | Satisfactory to Above Average Progress |
| 70-79 | Limited to Average Progress |
| 0-69 | Failing to Demonstrate Average Progress |
| Subject | Reading | Writing | Math | Science | Social Studies |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Daily Grades/ Minor Grades (70%) | 4-5 | 4-5 | 8-10 | 8-10 | 8-10 |
| Major Grades/ Summative Grades (30%) | 1-2 | 1-2 | 2-3 | 2-3 | 2-3 |
Elementary:
- Minor Grades: 70%
- Major Grades: 30%
- Kindergarten: Skills based and aligned to standards
- 1st-2nd Grade: 1-4 rubric scale
- 3rd-5th Grade: Weighted with 70%/30% scale
6th/Middle School/Junior High:
- Minor Grades: 50%
- Major Grades: 50%
CORE: (Math, RLA, Social Studies, Science)
- Major Grades: Maximum – determined by PLC, Minimum – 3
- Minor Grades: Maximum – determined by PLC, Minimum – 10
Other (Visual Arts, Fine Arts)
- Major Grades: Maximum – determined by PLC, Minimum – 3
- Minor Grades: Maximum – determined by PLC Minimum – 6
High School
- Minor Grades: 40%
- Major Grades: 60%
CORE: (Math, RLA, Social Studies, Science)
- Major Grades: Maximum – determined by PLC, Minimum – 3
- Minor Grades: Maximum – determined by PLC, Minimum – 10
Other (Visual Arts, Fine Arts)
- Major Grades: Maximum – determined by PLC, Minimum – 3
- Minor Grades: Maximum – determined by PLC
Minimum – 6
Major grades are NOT just tests or exams, here are examples of Major Grades
- Performance tasks/performance based assessment
- Content exams (including performance based content tasks/assessments)
- Research projects/papers (final product)*
- Special projects (performances, speeches, presentations)*
- Multimedia student created work
- Written compositions
- Portfolios*
- Average of the week’s DOLs (Demonstration of Learning)
- TEKS Checks
*Rubrics or specific guidelines should be used to score these assignments. These assessment tools should be given to students BEFORE the assigned task so that they have a clear understanding of the expectations and how they are being assessed.
Examples of Minor Grades
- Interim work for projects/performance based assessments
- Hands-on activities/labs
- Class/group work learning (cooperative learning, etc.)
- Learning centers/workstations
- Lab reports
- Computer activities
- Notebooks
- Word study (tests or assignments)
- Quizzes
- Journals
- Writing process (prewriting, drafting, revising, editing, publishing)
- Informal compositions
- Portfolios
- Independent assignments
- Speech/communication/presentation skills
- Extended or Short Constructed Responses
- Graphic organizers
- Skill practice activities
Additional IOG (Internal Operating Guidelines) Elementary Guidelines
Homework
Homework is still encouraged as needed, it should be designed to complement classroom instruction, foster independent learning, and promote academic growth and responsibility. Both the teacher and the student should have a clear understanding of the purpose of each homework assignment and the relevance of the assignment to the student. When assigning homework, teachers should consider school and community activities and holidays. Students may not be punished for not completing homework, and homework will not be taken for a grade.
Items not eligible for grades- Grades may not be given for things such as tissues, supplies, and progress reports.
- Items not eligible for grades include reading/running records, pre-assessments, homework, Common interim assessments (CIA), State of Texas Assessment of Academic Readiness (STAAR), Measure of Academic Progress (MAP)
- All students will receive progress reports every 3 weeks.
General IOG (Internal Operating Guidelines) Secondary Guidelines
Posted Grades
- The teacher must enter minor grades into the electronic gradebook within three school days from the date receiving the assignment. The teacher must enter major grades into the electronic gradebook within five school days from the date receiving the assignment.
Incomplete “I” Assignments, Cycle Grades, GPA Calculations
- Incomplete grades are necessary as reflected by “I” which indicate outstanding assignments from student absences or other reasons approved by the teacher. A student receiving an “I” (Incomplete) for a grading period has two (2) weeks to convert the “I” grade to an earned grade.
Communication of Grades
- Teachers and campuses should be communicating this to parents and students, and these changes should be included in the campus handbook/website
Special Education/504
- Sped/504 Students- Students receiving Special Education and 504 services must receive the accommodations listed on their IEP and 504 Plans when completing assignments and receiving grades. These accommodations are legally binding and not considered optional. For any questions regarding IEP/504 accommodations, teachers should contact the student’s case manager.
Have questions on student grading guidelines or need support for your student?
Parents should contact their child’s teachers for questions regarding student grading guidelines or needed individual support.
We value our partnership with families and parents to ensure all our students meet our district’s North Star Goal of meeting or exceeding academic growth goals. Wishing you and your family a great school year!