Grading & Assessment

The Archdiocese of San Francisco assessment and report of progress practices are research-based that analyze, and inform student learning. Educators systematically use data to reflect on student growth and their own impact on student learning and achievement. Assessment provides a defined measurement of student growth and achievement over a designated time period, illustrating where the student’s level of mastery is at the end of the designated period of time. The level of student performance necessary to achieve mastery is clearly defined, visible, and understood by both the student and the teacher through continuous feedback and realignment.

School Grading Practices

Effective grading practices are necessary for improved teaching and learning. Schools will adopt local grading policies that will support the following guiding principles:

  • Assessment and grading are ongoing processes that guide continuous learning.

  • Grading should be standards-referenced and reflect what students know and are able to do.

  • Grading should be transparent and promote common understanding between students, parents, teachers, and schools.

  • Grading should support a growth mindset.

  • Grading should only reflect student achievement.

  • The purpose of homework is to check for understanding, provide feedback, and prepare students for summative assessments.

Assessment of Student Learning

Assessment is a comprehensive set of practices that analyze, inform, and drive student learning. Schools will employ a system of integrated assessment that includes:

  • Routine, ongoing, and developmentally appropriate formative assessment at the classroom level toward the goal of responsive instruction for each student.

  • Ongoing summative assessments at the classroom level measuring student mastery of content standards and extending the practice of responsive instruction for each student.

  • Intermittent school-wide assessment providing normative data for progress monitoring of individual students, student groups, and school improvement.

  • Standardized summative assessment to direct ongoing school improvement.

To receive accreditation, all schools shall administer standardized assessments as required by the Department of Catholic Schools. Results of the testing are reported to staff, parents, students, and school representatives on a bi-annual basis by the principal.