Data-Driven Instruction

 

PRCS utilizes robust, relevant data and assessments to achieve four goals:

In addition to standardized statewide assessments, our school utilizes assessments such as ANET, NWEA MAP, Aimsweb, and internally created benchmarks to achieve these goals.

GRADING AND GRADING SCALE

Grade	Required %	GPA Equivalent
A	93-100	4.0
A-	90-92	3.7
B+	87-89	3.3
B	83-86	3.0
B-	80-82	2.7
C	73-79	2.0
C-	70-72	1.7
D	65-69	1.0
F	0-64	0.0

Grades are based on the following categories and weights for core content subjects of Reading, Math, Science and Social Studies: 

Category	% of overall grade & frequency:	Notes
Summative Assessments	30% (minimum of 4 per marking period)	Measures student’s mastery of unit content or material:   Unit Assessments            - Lab Reports            ANET (Benchmark)          - Essays Projects                                 - Portfolio Piece
Formative Skill & Content Measure	20% (minimum of 1-2 grades per week)	Monitors student learning of a subject’s skill and content standards. Is measured by in class performance on tasks, and may include: Quiz                          -     Weekly assessments  Exit Ticket               -     Habits of discussion rubric
Class-work	40% (2-3 grades per week)	This encompasses: class participation,  organization, completion of and performance on class assignments. Student grades should be linked to standards and  clearly stated criteria for success and or rubrics.
Homework	10% (2-3 grades per week)	Encompasses: Homework assigned based on content learned in class that is not an extension of classwork.  Homework is graded based on completion, effort, and accuracy.

ASSESSMENTS

• NWEA MAP Test - This is an adaptive diagnostic assessment used to find the general achievement level of students and to measure their growth throughout the year.  The MAP test is given three times per year, in September, December, and May.  This test is not included in student grades but does allow us to compare data to other schools in the state and country and to measure growth at a student’s instructional level.

• ANET Reading & Math- This test is given three times per year, at the end of each quarter, and counts as a summative assessment in the gradebook.  This test measures student proficiency on grade level standards, and can be used to predict proficiency on the NJSLA.

• Benchmarks Science & Social Studies -This test is given three times per year, at the end of each quarter, and counts as a summative assessment in the gradebook.  This test measures student proficiency on grade level standards, and can be used to predict proficiency on the NJSLA.

• NJSLA - This test is administered once per year for math and ELA content.  This test is administered for science in grades 3 and 8.  Science is assessed in grades 5 and 8 each year.  These tests are standardized and provided by the State of NJ and provide comparative and comprehensive data on student achievement.