We still use numbers to arrive at letter grades. We show parents and guardians a Learning Map that includes evidence of learning, such as test scores, marks on assignments, and presentation scores. However, a Learning Map allows us to go beyond only numbers by emphasizing the importance of linking a letter grade to required learning standards.

The Learning Map also allows us to show parents and guardians how certain prescribed learning standards require teachers to use evidence other than a number. We talk about various ways of collecting data by showing examples of our observation notes: a scale of 1 – 2 – 3 on a rubric; an interview with a student to hear his or her explanation or to evaluate oral language skills.

We’ve prepared a brochure that we use to help parents and guardians understand how schools need more than numbers to communicate a student’s learning in the twenty-first century.