Report Cards

For Grades K-5:

Mastery-Based Grading

The Power of WE in Learning

At Colonial School District, we believe every child can learn and grow at high levels when given clear expectations, meaningful feedback, and opportunities to improve. Beginning in our elementary schools, students are supported through a Mastery-Based Grading approach designed to focus on learning, growth, and progress toward grade-level standards.

This system helps teachers, students, and families better understand:

• What students are expected to learn
• How students are progressing
• What support or enrichment students may need next

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What is Mastery-Based Grading?

Mastery-Based Grading measures a student’s understanding of specific learning standards rather than averaging points, percentages, or behaviors. Instead of asking: “What grade did the student earn?”, we ask: “What does the student understand and what are they ready to learn next?”
Students are assessed on clearly defined skills and standards aligned to Delaware state standards and district curriculum expectations.

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Why Colonial Uses Mastery-Based Grading

Mastery-Based Grading helps us:

• Focus on student learning and understanding

• Provide clearer communication to families

• Encourage growth and perseverance

• Support individualized learning needs

• Ensure grades reflect academic performance rather than behavior or effort alone

• Create consistent expectations across classrooms and schools

This approach aligns with Colonial’s commitment to being: Bold. Inclusive. Authentic.

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Understanding Performance Levels

Elementary report cards and progress updates may use performance indicators such as:

Level	Meaning
4 – Exceeds Expectations	Demonstrates advanced understanding independently
3 – Meets Expectations	Consistently demonstrates grade-level understanding
2 – Approaching Expectations	Progressing toward grade-level understanding with support
1 – Beginning Expectations	Demonstrates limited understanding and requires significant support

These indicators help families understand a child’s progress toward mastery of grade-level standards.

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What Mastery-Based Grading Looks Like in the Classroom

Students may:

• Revise or improve work after feedback

• Receive targeted small-group instruction

• Demonstrate learning in multiple ways

• Practice skills before final assessments

• Learn through collaboration, projects, discussion, and hands-on activities

Teachers:

• Use ongoing assessments to guide instruction

• Provide timely and specific feedback

• Monitor progress toward standards

• Adjust instruction based on student needs