Raise the grade together : quick reference guide for parents

              Oklahoma’s A-F School Grading System is based on the concept that parents and community members should be able to quickly and easily determine how schools are
performing. The new A-F system gives all schools and school districts in the state of Oklahoma a grade of A, B, C, D, or F — similar to grades already given to students. This allows us to offer a system similar to report cards
given to students.
The new A-F Report Cards are one important way to
empower parents and community members with easy-to-understand information. The impact of grades will vary from school to school. Each situation is unique. Broadly speaking, overall letter grades are a good indicator of school performance, but there are other indicators of
performance that should be considered as well.
The release of report cards is a chance for constructive and positive conversations. Some schools may receive an overall lower letter grade but demonstrate success in one or more areas. Parents and school leaders can use this
information to build on success to achieve better marks in other areas. Some schools may have achieved an over­all higher letter grade but aren’t doing quite as well in one area. This is another opportunity for a constructive
dialogue between parents, school leaders and teachers.
PARENT POWER
A crucial goal of the A-F reform is to foster more
parent and community engagement in schools. Parents and com¬munity members can join in the effort to raise the grade together by taking the mission of educating children as a community approach.
A school community’s purpose is to ensure that each
student gains the knowledge, skills, habits, and attitudes necessary for success. This community forms the bond be¬tween the home and school where responsibility for stu¬dents’ academic, social, and emotional learning
is shared.
When a school functions as a community rather than in
a community, its stakeholders have the opportunity to
interact with one another and share common values
about the education of their children. This requires many people to work together including students, teachers,
administrators, parents, family members, and volunteers to support the student.
A school community is based upon the shared belief that:
1. All parents have dreams for their children and want the best for them;
2. All teachers are inspired by professional standards and personal conviction to see each child succeed;
3. Student success is reinforced when parents, teachers,
and other members of the school community work
together on their behalf; and
4. School leaders are the prime movers in establishing and nurturing the processes and practices to intentionally strengthen the school community.
In short, a school community rests upon mutual respect, strong relationships and focused attention to students’ academic, personal and emotional learning.
Quick Reference Guide for Parents
Superintendent Janet Barresi’s Message to Parents:
“The report cards are an important piece of information parents can use when deciding the best educational
options for their own children. This is a call to action. This provides an opportunity for each and every
one of us to join in the effort in our own communities to work with educators on assuring the success
of each child.”