December 3, 2012

As many of you know, Lowell, like the rest of the Commonwealth is moving instruction to implement the Common Core National Standards. You may have noticed that your children are learning concepts in different ways. To inform you appropriately of the changes in our curriculum, a more comprehensive Standards-based Report Card at the elementary level has been revised and will be issued Thursday, December 6, 2012. The report card was developed by administrators and teachers to best inform you of your child’s learning.
The following changes have been made to enhance the report card and make it a more informative document for both teachers and parents.

•   Align ELA and math indicators with common core standards.
  
•   Current standard rubric creates confusion among teachers and parents. Expanding to a five point scale clarifies grading for students who are on track to meet a year-end standard, but have not reached it.
  
•   Comments are currently scattered across the report card. Comments will be brought together in a coherent layout.
  
•   Instead of placing an Effort/Progress grade on each standard, a child’s effort and habits of mind will be included with the Social Development grades.
  
•   Instead of the current A-D scale, a new rubric that reflects consistency of effort and outcomes.
  
•   Two-sided copiers and printers in school buildings will enable us to rearrange the report card with
  more efficient use of space.
  
•   Planning for a parent comment sheet to permit the parent to communicate with the teacher and keep the report card.
  There is an explanation of the new report card on Channel 22 Lowell Educational station – you may also consult the following website: 
•  http://www.mcauliffeschool.com<http://www.mcauliffeschool.com/>
  If you have any questions please check with your child’s school. As always, we appreciate your support and work towards providing the best educational experience for your child.
  Sincerely,
  Jean M. Franco Superintendent of Schools