School Report Cards

Academic Progress & Student Report Cards

In Belmont, we utilize a standards-based report cards. A team of teachers and administrators developed this reporting instrument which is designed to give parents more detailed information about students’ progress toward specific learning standards. 

These report cards are based on the standards articulated in the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks. They clearly reflect the curriculum which is addressed and the learning expectations at each grade level. Students will be evaluated in relation to their progress toward meeting January and June benchmarks. 

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS?

  • Aligns with curriculum and instruction

  • Enables parents to better understand grade level expectations and support their children’s learning

  • More frequent evaluation/communication points (The old reporting system included 3 communication points because report cards were not separated from conferences. The pilot includes 4 communication points.)

  • More two-way communication during conferences which will not be driven by the report card

  • Alerts parents to students’ strengths and areas for growth at the conferences, prior to the official report card

  • Reflects the amount of support that students are requiring in relation to each standard

  • Supports consistent assessment and reporting across the district

  • Incorporates PE, art and music instead of having separate documents with different distribution dates

Report Card Timelines

October/November: Conferences
Parents and teachers meet for conversations about students' learning. There will be no written documents at this time.

End of January: Report Cards Issued
These will be made available via the parent portal.

March: Conferences
Parents and teachers meet for conversations about students’ learning. There will be no written documents at this time.

End of June: Report Cards Issued
These will be made available via the parent portal.

Report Card Ratings: Students’ academic performance will be rated using the following performance indicators:

  • M – The student demonstrates mastery of the concept/skill and applies it with independence.

  • D – The student is developing an understanding of the concept/skill with occasional support.

  • B – The student is beginning to understand the concept/skill with frequent support.

  • NY – The student does not yet understand the concept/skill and requires consistent support. School and District Report Cards
    Templates of the School Report Cards are available on the district website

We encourage you to become involved in helping us improve our schools and district. Some of the ways you can become involved are:

  • Encouraging your child’s learning at home

  • Attending parent-teacher meetings and other special meetings

  • Serving as a volunteer in our school or district

  • Encouraging other parents to become involved