Assessment and evaluation are integral parts of schooling. Teachers use a variety of formal, informal, formative, and summative assessments to measure student understanding in all classes. Assessments are designed to educate and improve individual student performance. To promote growth, JMSG meets all students where they are and encourages them to push themselves beyond what has been mastered.
The JMSG report card has narrative summaries and rubrics instead of grades. The students, families, and teachers focus on a deeper understanding of each student's progress by evaluating different elements of learning in a class and omitting traditional letter grades. Students shift from focusing on how to get good grades to taking ownership of their learning.
In addition to a nontraditional report card, the feedback is a conversation between a student and teachers. Students engage in conversations about the learning process rather than grade points. They reflect on what they have learned and receive feedback on how they can improve or stretch. The student and teacher check-ins precede student-led conferences and require that students take ownership of their learning and demonstrate an understanding of their achievements and goals.
How do high schools interpret the JMSG report card?
Julia Morgan School for Girls maintains a strong reputation with the independent and parochial high schools in the Bay Area. These high schools are familiar with the detailed and in-depth approach of the JMSG report card. They value the comprehensive snapshot of each student, particularly in the admission process as schools seek students who are not only qualified academically but also contribute positively to their community.
"Our academics are exemplary because of the relational model which centers the students as agents of their own learning."