Grades and Assessment

Academic Achievement grades and Habits of Mind grades target separate, but related, elements of the students’ classroom learning experience. Both grades are presented as traditional letter grades and offer students and families a holistic view into each student’s progress.

Academic Achievement grades are assessments of what the student knows and what the student can do: Content Knowledge, Unit-Driven Understanding, Oral and Written Communication Skills, Critical Thinking and Flexibility, and Creative Engagement and Problem Solving. These grades help students understand how they are performing and progressing towards their academic goals.

Habits of Mind grades are assessments of traits that the student develops and brings to classroom learning—including effort, attitude, preparation, attendance, time management and organization, persistence: Intellectual Curiosity, Openness and Engagement, Time and Resource Management, Persistence, Resilience and Patience, Risk-Taking and Self-Advocacy, and Dependability and Punctuality. Habits of Mind grades help students understand how their attitudes and daily routines impact progress towards their goals.

In short, Academic Achievement grades are our “get me into college” grades and Habits of Mind grades are our “prepare me to succeed in life” grades. Both are vital assessments.