About the Authors
1. Getting Started
The Difficulty of Change
The Need for Change
Why Standards Instead of Letter Grades?
Guiding Premises
Our Purpose
Our Organizational Scheme
Our Hope
2. The Importance of Standards
Defining "Standards"
Five Essential Understandings
Standards-Based Report Card Development Levels
Summary
3. Defining the Purpose
Purpose Questions
Leading Discussions About Purpose
Key Questions in Defining the Purpose
Making the Purpose Clear
Method Follows Purpose
Purpose Determines the Development Process
Multiple Purposes Means Multiple Reporting Elements
Focus on a "Reporting System"
Summary
4. Developing Reporting Standards
Reporting Standards
The Development Process
Three Types of Learning Goals
Conflicts in Reporting on Different Learning Goals
Meaning Solutions to the Conflicts
Summary
5. Essential Steps in Development: Part I
Crucial Questions in the Development Process
Summary
6. Essential Steps in Development: Part II
Additional Crucial Questions in the Development Process
Summary
7. Developing Reporting Forms
Defining the Purpose
Selecting the Method Based on the Purpose
Effective Reporting Forms
Combining Methods of Reporting
Format and Graphic Layouts
Design Processes
Additional Sample Reporting Forms
8. Piloting and Revising
Broad-Based Involvement
Focus Groups
Parent, Teacher, and Student Surveys
Test-Driven Reporting
Back to the Drawing Board
Informing the Community
Professional Development
Parent Education Programs
9. Beyond the Report Card: Developing a Reporting System
The Importance of Purpose
The Challenge of Communications
Tools for a Comprehensive Reporting System
Guidelines for Better Practice
Summary
References
Index
