Welcome Dearborn Public Schools Families!
At Dearborn Public Schools, we are dedicated to providing a high-quality, continuous learning experience tailored to meet the needs of every student. As part of our commitment to transparent communication and academic excellence, we have transitioned to a Standards-Based Report Card (SBRC) for all elementary school students.
This page is designed to help parents and guardians understand what standards-based reporting is, why we made this transition, how to read your child’s report card, and how you can support your child’s learning journey at home.
1. What is a Standards-Based Report Card?
A Standards-Based Report Card measures a student’s progress toward mastering specific learning goals, known as state academic standards, for their grade level. Unlike traditional report cards that summarize all assignments, quizzes, extra credit, and behavior into a single letter grade (A, B, C, D, F), a standards-based report card breaks down each subject into specific skills and learning targets.
Instead of receiving one overall letter grade for Reading or Math, parents receive specific feedback on individual skills, such as “Reads grade-level text with understanding” or “Solves multi-step math word problems.”
Traditional vs. Standards-Based Grading
| Traditional Grading | Standards-Based Grading |
|---|---|
| Combines achievement, effort, behavior, and attendance into one overall letter grade. | Separates academic achievement from effort, behavior, and work habits. |
| Grades are based on accumulated points and averages over a marking period. | Reports reflect actual proficiency on specific grade-level learning targets over time. |
| Struggles early in the term permanently lower the student’s overall cumulative score. | Focuses on eventual mastery, giving students opportunities to demonstrate learning growth. |
| Provides a general summary score without detailing specific strengths or weaknesses. | Pinpoints exact skills a student has mastered and areas where extra support is needed. |
2. Understanding Performance Levels
Dearborn Public Schools uses a performance mark rubric to show where your child is relative to end-of-year expectations. Progress is measured using the following performance indicators:
| Key | Success Indicator | Performance Key |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | Exemplary | Demonstrates a deep understanding of the grade-level standard with no errors and high complexity. |
| 3 | Meets | Consistently meets the grade-level standard independently. This represents a successful student. |
| 2 | Progressing | Shows foundational understanding but requires support or has inconsistent errors in complex parts. |
| 1 | Needs Support | Has not yet met the foundational parts of the standard; requires significant teacher support. |
Note for Parents: Receiving a “3” is the expected goal and reflects complete proficiency with grade-level standards! A level “3” indicates your child is right on track.
3. Key Benefits of Standards-Based Report Cards
Our transition to standards-based report cards brings significant benefits to elementary students and their families:
- Clear, Detailed Feedback: Parents gain a crystal-clear understanding of exactly what their child knows and can do, removing the guesswork behind a traditional single letter grade.
- Targeted Instruction & Learning: Teachers can tailor instruction to each child’s needs by identifying specific skill gaps rather than repeating broad subject areas.
- Focus on Mastery & Growth: Learning is a process. Standards-based reporting encourages a growth mindset, allowing students to learn from mistakes and demonstrate progress without being penalized for early struggles.
- Fairness & Consistency: Academic marks accurately reflect student understanding of academic standards, separate from attendance, conduct, or compliance. Behavior and work habits are reported in a distinct section.
- Meaningful Parent-Teacher Conversations: Conferences shift from discussing points and overall grades to meaningful dialogue about concrete academic skills and strategies for growth.
4. Family Resources in Core Academic Areas
To assist you in partnering with us to support your child’s academic development, the Curriculum Department has curated a selection of instructional tools and resources for our core academic subjects. Visit this link for a list of at-home supports to help support your child. Additionally, below are other at- home support ideas.
English Language Arts (Reading & Writing)
- Dearborn Public Library Partnership: Access digital eBooks, audiobooks, and literacy tools through the Sora app or public library card.
- At-Home Reading Tips: Daily 20-minute shared reading routines, asking open-ended questions about character decisions, main idea, and vocabulary development.
- ELA Digital Resources: Students in grades K-8 can log into their Amplify platform via Clever to access classroom readers and resources.
Mathematics
- Math in Everyday Life: Involve your child in real-world math practices such as counting change, measuring cooking ingredients, and calculating time intervals.
Science
- STEM Activities at Home: Simple family engineering challenges using household materials to solve fun problems.
Social Studies
- Museums for Families: Arab American National Museum, Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, Dossin Great Lakes Museum, The Henry Ford and Greenfield Village, Dearborn Historical Museum and Detroit Historical Museum
- Michigan Open Book Project: Grade-level interactive social studies resources exploring community, geography, Michigan history, and civics.
- Civic Awareness & Community: Engaging children in discussions about local history, community helpers, and responsible citizenship.
5. Curriculum Department Support & Contact Information
If you have questions about the standards-based report card, curriculum standards, or how to support your child at home, please do not hesitate to reach out to your child’s teacher or principal.
Thank you for your partnership in making Dearborn Public Schools a wonderful place to learn and grow!