Communicating Achievement

Portfolio

As you can see here, we have Elizabeths portfolio of academic work

completed thus far in the year. Portfolios are a great way to measure student
success over time. Because there is so much to cover throughout this school
year, I have the students keep a running record of their work. The students
can either choose to keep a portfolio that shows their best work completed in
different subjects or showcase improvement of subjects over time. Elizabeth
has chosen to keep a portfolio that exemplifies the best work she has
completed in each subject. Elizabeth will keep adding to this portfolio
throughout the rest of the year and hopes to show a complete product to you
in June. For now, she will show what assignments she believes to be her best
so far.

Elizabeth excels in math and science, therefore she is most proud of

her work in those categories. Almost all of the work she does in class meets
or exceeds grade level standards. Also featured in this portfolio is Elizabeths
best work in reading and writing. Now, while reading and writing may be
subjects she struggles with, she is proud to show you some of her best work
here. Elizabeth is very close to meeting standards when she produces this
type of work.

I will continue to monitor and assess Elizabeths portfolio as she adds

more work to it. By looking at her best work, I can gauge how well she is
understanding the material and showing comprehension. Because we all now
know that your daughter is capable of producing this caliber of work, I expect
her to put more effort into assignments. If Elizabeth continues to not pay
attention and socialize with friends, I know that is not because she isnt
capable, it is because she lacks motivation. I hope that by allowing Elizabeth
to keep and show her best work she will become motivated to produce more
of it. I can already tell that she is proud to display this work to you and me.

Report Card

Elizabeths academic work thus far in the school year has shown
improvement. While she has reached standards in some subjects, she is still
struggling to meet standards in others. For example, Elizabeth is strong in
mathematics and science, however she continues to struggle with reading
and writing. She picks up on math and science very quickly which I believe
gives her motivation to try hard in those subjects. She has a great grasp of
the concepts and procedures of both math and science. She shows passion
for learning when engaged in these subjects. Reading and writing are not
Elizabeths favorite and that shows in her performance. When Elizabeth
encounters struggles or challenges, she shuts down and believes she is not
capable of doing well. However, you and I both know she is fully capable of
excelling in all subjects.

In order for Elizabeth to become more successful, she needs to have a

more positive attitude towards learning goals. It is clear that Elizabeth could
put more effort into her assignments and learning achievements. In order to
gain a deep understanding of the material taught in class, she needs to be
engaged and ready to participate. In order to help her become a stronger
learner, I suggest that she work hard on completing homework on time so
that she better understands the material in class. Another setback that has
hindered Elizabeths achievement is her ability to work with classmates.
Working well with others efficiently is an essential skill in order to be the
most successful student she can be. Elizabeth is a chatty girl and struggles
to stay on task.

Overall, Elizabeth is a bright girl with a lot of potential; she just needs
to apply herself. In order to gain the deepest understanding of fourth grade
material and meet common core standards Elizabeth should put more time
and effort into assignments, ask more questions and communicate
effectively and efficiently with both staff and peers.

Scores

Here are Elizabeths state test results, which reflect her performance in the
classroom in the 4th grade. This standardized assessment measures how well the
student is doing with ELA/literacy and math concepts aligned with Washington State
Common Core Standards. This standardized assessment is given to every student
grades 3-11 and requires all test takers to answer the same questions. This
assessment is also scored in a consistent manner, meaning every student is scored
the same. This assessment also provides different types of questions, including
multiple choice, short answer, true/false, and essay. The assessment is measured on
four different levels, four being the highest level the student can achieve. If the
student scores in the range of levels one and two, they are not meeting state
standards. If the student is scoring in level 3-4 they are meeting state standards.
Each assessment is aligned with state standards and what the student should be
able to do to be prepared to graduate and attend college if they choose. The first
part of the assessment measured proficiency in mathematics.

Elizabeth scored a 2680 on this portion, making her fall into the highest level
of achievement. She has mastered the skills of mathematics needed for likely
success of coursework at a college level. She scored higher than all the other fourth
graders in her school, district and statewide. Although Elizabeth can construct
viable mathematical arguments, and solve real-world problems, she has difficulty
explaining and applying mathematical concepts. This means that Elizabeth still has
a high level of mathematical proficiency, however, she needs work in some areas.

She was also assessed on state literacy or ELA standards. She scored a 2680
on literacy as well, making her fall into the level four category. The score she
received was higher than the other fourth graders in her school, district, and state.
Elizabeth is below average in reading, but above in writing, and listening/speaking.
She is at the state level in research/inquiry.

These implications show that Elizabeth is scoring high in state tests; however,
her behavior during class needs improvement. For example, Elizabeth often turns
homework in late. If Elizabeth improves these aspects of her education, the other
aspects of her learning will be improved as well, such as solving real -world
problems and increased reading ability.

Dear Parents(s)/ Guardian(s):

It is extremely critical to have an effective and instructional classroom

environment which strongly encourages communication between home and
school. With student led parent teacher conferences coming up we are looking
forward to discussing the insights of your childs education and your
expectations for this school year. As the students parent you can help provide
me with information so I can address all of your childs needs. Our teachers
really appreciate all the support you give to our school and continuing their
education at home. It is important to have these conferences in order to
maintain a constant communication between you, your student, and I.
The topics covered during this conference will go over your childs state
standards, their academic achievements, work habits, and communication with
peers. One of our most important classroom values is student voice. Because of
this, your student will be leading most of the conference. I believe that your
student should showcase their own work and achievements. In order for your
student to prepare for the conference, they have been asked to do a personal
reflection of their achievements thus far in the year. I will have this reflection for
us to review during our time together. If you have any questions, please feel free
to address them at the conference.

Parent Teacher Conference Schedule:

Monday, October 23, 2016 - 4:00 pm. to 7:00 pm.

Tuesday, October 24, 2016 4:00 pm. to 8:00 pm.

Wednesday, October 25, 2016 4:00 pm. to 8:00 pm.

Conferences will be held in my classroom which is room 112.

Our school staff greatly values your time and busy schedules. We thank you for
taking the time to talk about your students education. The conference slots will
be filled for every thirty minutes. If you believe that you will need extra time to
talk about your child, please let me know beforehand. I cant wait to meet with
you and learn more about your child, as well as update you on how they are
doing.

Please let me know the best three times slots that you will available to attend
parent teacher conferences. I am flexible with meeting times if these do not
work for your schedule.

(30-minute time slots). Ex- 4:00-4:30, 5:30-6.

Slot 1 _________________
Slot 2 _________________

Slot 3 _________________

Sincerely,

Teacher