New Racine Unified Report Cards Give Parents More Information

Parents wondering how their kids are really doing in class, not just their grades, will get some idea in January.

parents will see a change when report cards come home at the end of this semester. Changes in state requirements will mean that students may receive comments – as well as a subjective grade – for social skills and work habits in each subject area.

Prior to the change, students could only receive one separate grade for social skills and work habits. The comments and grades will be located below the subject grade on the report card.

“This change was prompted by directives made by the state for the reporting of student grades,” said Dr. Jeff Blaga, RUSD Interim Executive Director of Instruction and Curriculum. “The state's new reporting system strives to make things consistent among all schools in the state of Wisconsin.”

The new reporting method may make it easier to monitor student progress not just at the district level, but statewide.

“The consistency among school districts may make it easier to look at pupil progress in the state, at least as demonstrated by report cards,” Blaga said.

Benchmarks for progress in social skills and work habits vary according to individual buildings and teachers, Blaga said.

“The new [report card] statements usually note the behavior that is not desired, as well as a way to commend students who practice positive academic and social skills,” Blaga said.