Grading and Report Cards

Elementary

Spokane Public Schools elementaries report student achievement once per trimester using standards-based grading to accurately describe and communicate, to all stakeholders, a student’s achievement toward specific state standards on a 4-point scale to inspire growth in student learning.

To assist in a common understanding of Standards-Based Grading & Reporting, the following are the descriptors for the SPS Grading Scale included on the elementary report card:

  • 4 - Above Standard at this Time: In addition to achieving a Level 3, student is able to independently demonstrate in-depth inferences, applications and/or more complex understandings that go beyond what was taught.

  • 3 - Meeting Standard at this Time: Student consistently demonstrates grade level skills and knowledge independently.

  • 2 - Approaching Standard at this Time: Student is making progress toward meeting the grade level expectations, sometimes showing evidence of meeting the standards, at other times showing lack of understanding or ability to apply the concept or skills independently.

  • 1 - Beginning Work Toward Standard at this Time

  • NA - Not Assessed at this Time

Part of standards-based grading is using quality assessments of content standards to determine grades. Grading for elementary students is based on the most current evidence available, representing a growth model for calculating grades. That means more recent performance factors more heavily in the overall score.

In standards-based grading, grades are focused on achievement. Other factors such as participation, which promotes learning and social development, are reported separately.

Secondary

SPS secondary schools report student achievement four times per year using a standard grading scale. The purpose of secondary grading is to communicate, to all stakeholders, student achievement toward specific standards at a certain point in time to inspire future achievement and impact change.

The purpose of the secondary report card is to communicate separately:

  • Student achievement toward academic standards.

  • Student progress related to attributes that promote secondary and post‐secondary success.

Grades are distributed via the PowerSchool Parent Portal

How do I access my high school or middle school student's final quarter 1 grades?
Sign in to the PowerSchool Parent Portal Account with your parent account to view your student's grades.

What if I don't have a PowerSchool Parent Portal account?
Contact your student's school office and request the Parent Account Access ID Letter which contains the steps to set up an account, and the access ID and password to add your student to your account. You will need to request the Parent Account Access ID Letter for each student who attends Spokane Public Schools. You will only need to create one account on the PowerSchool Parent Portal and just link all of your students to the one account.

How do I find my student's grades on the PowerSchool Parent Portal?
Once you are signed into the PowerSchool Parent Portal, from the left menu choose Grades and Attendance. You will see a column labeled Q1, which shows your student's Quarter 1 grades.

You will also see Q2, Q3, etc. These can be used to view grades during the quarter as well as final grades once the quarter and semester end. 

What if I want my student's report card mailed to me?
Contact your student's school office to request that your student's report be mailed to you.

2024-25 Grading Calendar

SEE THE CALENDAR

SPS Report Card Achievement Descriptors

A - Highly Proficient Understanding – The student demonstrates highly proficient understanding of the required course standards based on content rubrics. The student comprehensively grasps and applies the key concepts, processes and/or skills.

B - Proficient Understanding – The student demonstrates proficient understanding of the required course standards based on content rubrics. The student grasps and applies the key concepts, processes and/or skills.

C - Approaching Understanding – The student is approaching proficient understanding of the required course standards based on content rubrics. The student grasps and applies some key concepts, processes and/or skills.

D - Minimal Understanding – The student demonstrates minimal understanding of the required course standards based on content rubrics. The student struggles to grasp and apply the key concepts, processes and/or skills.

F - Insufficient Understanding – The student is not demonstrating sufficient understanding of the required course standards based on content rubrics, and/or student has difficulty applying the key concepts, processes and/or skills.