Our grading policy is designed so that a student's grade reflects what they know and can do, regardless of which classroom they are in. By using common expectations across schools, families can feel confident that grades are based on academic standards and evidence of learning.

What Do Grades Tell Me?

Grades communicate your child's progress toward grade-level learning standards in:

• Reading
• Writing
• Mathematics

Grades are intended to provide meaningful information about your child's strengths and areas for growth.

Grades Reflect Learning. Behavior and work habits are reported separately on report cards.

Academic grades are based on:

✅ Demonstration of skills and understanding

✅ Classwork, assessments, and performance tasks 

✅ Progress toward grade-level standards

Academic grades are not based on:

❌ Effort alone

❌ Participation alone

❌ Behavior

Understanding the 1-4 Grading Scale

P.S. 119 uses the NYC Public Schools standards-based grading scale.

 

Level	Meaning	Description
4	Exceeds Standards	Student consistently demonstrates grade-level skills and often goes beyond expectations.
3	Meets Standards	Student consistently demonstrates grade-level expectations.
2	Approaching Standards	Student is developing grade-level skills but still needs support in some areas.
1	Well Below Standards	Student requires significant support to meet grade-level expectations.

What Is My Child Being Graded On?

Reading 

• Reads with sufficient accuracy and fluency to support comprehension  
• Reads and comprehends grade-level texts independently across genres  
• Demonstrates comprehension by referring to text details  
• Grades 1–2 only: Uses letter-sound relationships to figure out new words  

Writing 

• Writes independently for different tasks/purposes/audiences (opinion, informative, narrative)  
• Uses details and facts from text in writing  
• Revises writing to clarify and add details  

Mathematics 

• Demonstrates understanding of mathematical concepts  
• Solves problems with precision and accuracy  
• Solves problems in multiple ways and explains solutions 

Science

• Demonstrates use of grade level Science and Engineering Practices
• Understands grade level Disciplinary Core Ideas 
• Describes scientific phenomena using grade level Crosscutting Concepts
  
  

Social Studies

• Gathering and using evidence - ie.  looking at an old photograph and using information to support a claim
• Chronological reasoning- how past events caused or effected later events
• Civic Participation- active participation in Civics for All
• Geographic reasoning- analyze how geography effects human communities

Art

• Meeting the criteria of the project
• Use of elements and principles being taught
• Creativity and idea development in projects
  
  

Music

• Pitch and singing of simple melodies 
• Rhythm and beat when playing different types of instruments
• Music Literacy- recognizing music symbols, notes, high/low, loud/soft sounds
  
  

Physical Education/Health

• Demonstrating competency in movement (running, jumping, throwing)
• Understanding the strategies, rules, and concepts of games
• Understanding how physical activity benefits the body
• Exhibiting responsible personal and social behavior in the sports arena

How Are Grades Determined?

Teachers use multiple sources of evidence throughout each marking period. Using multiple measures ensures that grades reflect ongoing learning rather than a single test score.

Reading and Writing Evidence

• Reading responses
• Writing assignments
• Module assessments
• Performance tasks
• FUNDATIONS assessments (Grades K-2)

Mathematics Evidence

• Unit assessments
• Daily checkpoints (Grades 3-5)
• "Show What You Know" tasks (Grades K-2)
• Classroom problem-solving activities
  
  

Marking Periods

• Marking Period 1: September 10 - October 30, 2026
• Marking Period 2: November 2 - December 23, 2026
• Marking Period 3: January 4 - February 26, 2027 
• Marking Period 4: March 1 - May 28, 2027
•  

Support for All Learners

P.S. 119  is committed to ensuring equitable access to learning.

Students with IEPs or 504 Plans

Students receive all required accommodations during instruction and assessments. Grades reflect progress toward learning expectations and, when appropriate, individualized goals.

Multilingual Learners

Students receive appropriate language supports during learning and assessment. Grades focus on the content and skills being assessed rather than English language development alone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did P.S. 119  adopt this grading approach?

The goal is to ensure that grading is consistent across classrooms so families receive clear, accurate information about student learning.

Can a student improve their grade during the marking period?

Yes. Teachers use multiple pieces of evidence collected throughout the marking period to determine report card grades.

Are homework and behavior included in academic grades?

No. Academic grades reflect mastery of learning standards. Behavior and work habits are reported separately.

What should I do if I have questions about my child's grades?

Families are encouraged to contact their child's teacher to discuss:

• Academic progress
• Areas of strength
• Areas for growth
• Available supports and next steps