The Wissahickon School District follows
a standards-based curriculum. Standards are specific learning goals
designed to provide targets for all students. As a school district,
Wissahickon is accountable for helping our students achieve proficiency
on the Pennsylvania Academic Standards. To that end, we use a K‑5
standards-based progress reporting system that clearly defines
students’ academic responsibilities.
Standards represent the expected proficiency levels for all students.
The Wissahickon K-5 report card places the focus on student
performance. We gain a more realistic insight into students’
capabilities through collected demonstrations, performances, and series
of assessments that show evidence of work over time.
Although progress reports are important, they are only one part of a
larger reporting system. We encourage parents to meet with their
child's teacher during conferences and look for ongoing information
in the form of classroom communications.
The Pennsylvania System of School
Assessment (PSSA) is the state’s method of measuring student
proficiency in relation to academic standards. They are a once-a-year
“snapshot” of student learning in grades 3-8 and 11. Within
Wissahickon, teachers use ongoing assessments to develop appropriate
feedback for students and design effective differentiated instruction
to meet their needs. To learn more about the PA Standards, visit
www.pde.state.pa.us.
REPORTING AREAS
For specific definitions of each grade level report card
descriptor and rubrics that teachers use to inform their grading,
please review the Elementary Report Card Rubrics. The rubrics are
helpful in understanding the expectations for each trimester; students
are not working toward end-of-year goals, but have the opportunity to
meet or exceed expectations at each report period.
2008-09 Elementary Report Card Rubrics