A variety of methods are used to monitor student progress and report results. Results are provided to assist the student, parent and teacher in working together to achieve the best education possible for the students. They are not intended, in any way, to be used to determine a child’s self-worth or value.
Grading Policy
Report cards are issued on a quarterly basis. Students receive an achievement grade and an effort grade for most subjects. The achievement grade is based on how well the child is performing in relationship to a pre-determined standard. If a student is not working at grade-level, the grade is asterisked to indicate that the work has been modified. The effort grade is earned by student participation and attitude toward learning.
Students are expected to take responsibility for meeting deadlines when completing their work. Efforts to notify parents of missing work will be made. Missing assignments contribute to low and/or failing grades. Parents are encouraged to contact the teacher regarding grades and assignments throughout the quarter.
Fourth through eighth grade tri-weeklies are a snapshot of your child’s performance on the activities, assignments and/or tests completed every three weeks throughout the quarter. It is not a prediction or guarantee of the final quarter grade. A student may receive satisfactory grades for the tri-weekly and yet receive unsatisfactory quarterly grades. Factors that may contribute to unacceptable grades may be late and/or missing assignments and low test scores in the last part of the quarter. Another factor that may affect the final quarter grade is if a long-term assignment or final test is weighed more heavily than other work.
The final quarter grade is derived from teacher-selected assignments and tests as well as classroom participation. Because quarter grades are tied to a specific time period, they cannot be changed by completing extra credit or re-doing assignments or tests. However, for the sake of knowledge and/or skill attainment, remedial work is recommended.
Tests, Quizzes, Projects, Daily Assignments and Homework
These are the primary methods used by teachers to assess student progress. A written copy of the teacher’s student progress assessment methods and grading policy are available for parents.
Stanford Achievement Test
The Stanford Achievement Test (SAT) is a nationally standardized test administered annually to all students in grades three through eight. The results are recorded in each student’s folder and forwarded to parents. Detailed interpretation is available upon request through a conference. This test indicates how each student is progressing in school as measured against students in the same grade throughout the United States.
Academic Success Plan
Academic requirement for Good Standing status:
- As, Bs, and Cs in all core classes (Math, L.A., Science, History)
Academic Review:
5th-8th grade: If at the end of a 3-week cycle (tri-weekly) the student has:
- One or more Ds or one or more Fs in core classes
…then the student will be placed on Academic Review, which requires the student to:
- Meet briefly with their teacher.
- 5th/6th graders will have a one week grace period to allow them to turn in work and avoid study hall. If at the end of the grace week, they still have a D/F, then they will be expected to attend daily study sessions during lunch recess and lunch until the next tri-weekly or report card (whichever comes first). If a student gets caught up and has no other work to do in study hall that will allow them to improve their grade, they may petition to get out of study hall. Students will need to bring their cold lunch. Attendance will be taken.
- 7th/8th graders do not have a grace week and will be expected to go straight to study hall after Learning low grades on a tri-weekly. If/when they are able to get their grades up, they may petition to get out of study hall. Students will need to bring their cold lunch. Attendance will be taken.
- Rules for Study Hall:
- Students must bring their work with them to Study Hall.
- Lunch study is to be quiet so students may concentrate.
- Group work is not allowed.
- Chromebooks should be used solely for academic purposes. They may come with their class-issued Chromebook but will not be allowed to leave and get it if they forget.
- A student may be on Academic Review Level 1 for multiple tri-weekly periods throughout the year. However, if the student still has Ds or Fs at the very next tri-weekly/grading period (in other words, two in a row) they will enter Academic Review Level 2. At Level 2:
- Administration will call parents to discuss after-school tutoring options (instead of lunchtime)
- GSS may require after school tutoring. A student may be required to attend tutorials at GSS two days a week and/or one hour of tutoring per week outside of GSS and submit a record of tutoring to the school.
- Students who continue to have low grades (Ds and Fs) after these interventions, may be at risk of losing their spot at GSS.*
- Rules for Study Hall:
If a student receives a D or lower on the next report card, parents will meet with the teacher and the principal; and the student is placed on probation. The next checkpoint will be discussed as well. If appropriate, a full evaluation may be recommended at this time. If an evaluation is recommended, an appointment must be made with the testing coordinator, Mrs. Cox, within one week. At this point, the student will follow Identifying Special Needs steps instead of this process, but still may benefit from tutorial or tutoring assistance.
*Principal has final say on dismissal.
Testimonials
What Parents are Saying
“There is only one way to describe Good Shepherd School, home. For us, it is so much more than just a school. It is our home, and we are truly grateful for the teachers, principal, and the families we are surrounded by. My oldest is in his last year, and my youngest is in Pre-School. The education my kids are receiving along with being able to celebrate the Lord in class every day is priceless. They truly are a part of helping groom my kids to be successful adults. We could not be happier with Good Shepherd School.”
“I am so thankful that my girls attend Good Shepherd School! It is a wonderful school, and I couldn’t be happier with the education that they receive. The teachers and staff are always so caring and kind.”
“Our family loves Good Shepherd! Our children are in such a nurturing environment, and the school community has become like a family to us. We are amazed at the involvement and knowledge the teachers have of our children and love watching them soar educationally. Good Shepherd brings the Christian values that we want for our children into their daily learning environment in such fun and creative ways. We couldn’t be happier!”