Guide to Graduation

Elementary School Progress Reports

Parents of Salem-Keizer elementary students receive three progress reports (report cards) a year using the proficiency grading system. In a progress report you will see:

• Proficiency scores using a scale of 1-4 to report your student’s progress toward meeting a standard.
• A score of 3 means your student meets grade level standards or is proficient. 
  • The goal is for students to reach at least a score of 3 by the end of the school year after all instruction on a standard has been given.
• Self-management, social awareness, and responsible decision making are important measures of student performance as well. These are reported separately from proficiency scores and are shown on the elementary progress report as “social emotional learning.”

Middle & High School Report Cards

Families get official reporting on grades six times per year (progress and final grades). Families are encouraged to check-in regularly on their child's progress and guardians can access up-to-date grading information though ParentVUE. Final trimester grades are sent home at the end of each trimester (December, March and June). Salem-Keizer middle schools currently use a letter grade scale (A to F). 

Testing

Oregon Statewide Assessments provide the Oregon Department of Education with a snapshot of how well schools are helping students reach state standards.

Teachers in higher grades use state test information, ongoing assessment, and other measures to help gauge student learning.

• In kindergarten through 2nd grade, teachers perform ongoing assessments to evaluate student work to gauge progress toward standards.
• Students in grades 3-8 and 11 take annual state tests in reading, writing and math.
• Students in grades 5-8 and 11 also take annual tests in science.

Practice Tests

Students' success rates generally improve over time as they gain experience taking the test and adjust to it's style. Parents can help students prepare for the Smarter Balanced test by taking practice tests available on the Oregon Department of Education’s Oregon Statewide Assessment System portal and from the Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium.

Right to Exclude from Tests

Parents have the right to exclude their students from some state tests.

To be on track to receive a standard diploma in four years, students entering grade 9 should*:

1. Be on grade level in all subjects
2. Have solid study and organizational habits

In order to receive a diploma in the state of Oregon, students must achieve a set number of class credits, prove they have Essential Skills, and complete personalized learning requirements.

Preparing for College

For students going on to college, maintaining a solid GPA (grade point average) and taking the SAT or the ACT in their junior year will also be important. In addition, many colleges require at least two years of foreign language with a grade C or better to qualify for admission.

*Some students may need extra time or support to achieve high school graduation requirements. Schools are prepared to support students’ unique learning needs. For information on diploma options, please contact your student’s counselor.

In order to receive a diploma, Oregon high school students must earn a total of 24 high school credits in the classes shown below. One credit equals one full year (or 2 semesters/4 quarters) of class with a passing grade:

• English, 4 credits
• Math, 3 credits (credit is awarded only for math courses at the level of Algebra I or higher)
• Science, 3 credits
• Social Studies, 3 credits
• P.E., 1 credit
• Health, 1 credit
• Second Language, Arts or Career-Tech, 3 credits
• Other electives, 6 credits
• Civics,  0.5 (beginning with the class of 2026) 
• Personal Financial Education, 0.5 (beginning with the class of 2027)
• Career Path Skills, 0.5 (beginning with the class of 2027)

The Oregon Legislature passed a law that requires students to prove they have “Essential Skills” in order to receive a diploma.

Essential Skills Required to Receive an Oregon Standard Diploma

1. Read and comprehend a variety of texts
2. Write clearly and accurately
3. Apply math in a variety of settings
4. Listen actively and speak clearly and coherently
5. Think critically and analytically
6. Use technology to learn, live, and work
7. Demonstrate civic and community engagement
8. Demonstrate global literacy
9. Demonstrate personal management and teamwork skills

How Students Can Demonstrate These Skills

• Reaching a set score on the Smarter Balanced tests
• Reaching a set score on another, approved standardized test (such as SAT, ACT, etc.)
• Providing work samples

For more information on the Essential Skills, please visit the Oregon Department of Education website.

Conversations with teachers are the best way to share information on how to best support your student's progress.

The ParentSquare app or email is the fastest way to get in touch with teachers. Teachers may also be available for phone conversations after school.

It’s important to attend parent-teacher conferences! Please take advantage of this opportunity to meet one-on-one with your child’s teacher.

For information on your school’s conference schedule, or to find a list of teachers at your school, please visit your school’s website.

Phrases to Help You Have Conversations with Your Child’s Teachers:

1. “I would like to tell you a little about my child.” - Share information with the teacher about your child’s habits, likes and dislikes, special interests or anything that will help the teacher know your child better.
2. “I would like to tell you about some things that are going on at home." - It can be helpful for the teacher to know if there’s a significant change at home. The arrival of a new baby, the loss of a family member or special pet, illness, divorce or any significant occurrence can be shared with your child’s teacher. Teachers will keep your personal information confidential, and it will help them better understand your child and their needs.
3. “How is my child doing socially and emotionally during class?” - It’s important for parents to hear the teacher’s perspective on how their child is getting along with others during online learning or while at school, and if they are happy and enjoying learning.
4. “What can I do to help?” - Become a partner with your child’s teacher by asking them for things you can do with your child to reinforce what they are teaching in class.

• Demonstrate a positive attitude about school. Your children will model your attitude.
• Know about the academic concepts your child is learning.
• Familiarize yourself with State Standards and the progress your student should be making each year.
• Have a comfortable place set up for schoolwork and minimize distractions (turn off the TV and video games).
• Make sure they have access to supplies like paper and pencils.
• Read non-fiction books with your child and talk about what’s happening in the books.
• Encourage writing at home. Write together and include details.
• Talk with your child about the things they like to do and, what jobs might fit with their interests, and what skills and education are needed to work in these careers. 
• Ask your child to solve simple math problems of everyday life, like figuring correct change.
• Try your best to help your child attend class and encourage their active participation each day. Regular engagement and participation in school is critical, especially for young learners. 

• Encourage self-determination and self-advocacy.
• If you believe your child may qualify for developmental disability services, or if you are unsure, talk with your high school case manager; eligibility for adult services is easier if the process is completed before the student turns 18
• Practice basic job interview questions for a job your child is interested in.
• Talk as a family about what you hope your child’s life will look like after he or she leaves the community transition program, and share this at your annual IEP meeting.
• Prepare your student to problem solve situations that may occur in community settings, as this is where he or she will be spending most of the day.
• Communicate to your child that each day he or she is “going to work” rather than “going to school”.

If you have students in middle or high school, the online information portal ParentVUE can provide you with information on your student's grades, missing homework assignments, attendance and more.

Students can also access similar information through through StudentVUE.

Schools send parents and guardians information on how to login to ParentVUE at the start of the school year and school offices can provide this information as well.