Elementary Progress Reports
2026-2027 Progress Report Update
This school year, Rose Tree Media School District will introduce revised standards-based progress reports for students in grades K–5. While elementary students have received standards-based reports for many years, the updated format will provide clearer, more specific information about students’ progress toward grade-level expectations aligned with the Pennsylvania Common Core Standards.
Families will notice two key changes:
- Progress reports will identify specific grade-level skills within each subject area, helping families understand both the skills their child demonstrates and those still developing.
- A simplified three-level Learning Indicator system will be used:
- 3: Demonstrates understanding and applies the assessed skills effectively.
- 2: Demonstrates a developing understanding of the assessed skills.
- 1: Demonstrates limited understanding of the assessed skills.
These indicators are not traditional letter grades or percentages. They reflect a student’s current progress on skills taught and assessed during that reporting period. Because learning develops over time, a 2 indicates that a skill is still developing and should not automatically be interpreted as below-grade-level performance. Our goal is for students to meet grade-level standards by the end of the school year.
The previous “Exceeds Grade-Level Expectation” designation will no longer appear on the report. The revised format focuses on progress toward grade-level standards; however, a 3 is not a ceiling for learning. Students ready for greater challenges will continue to receive enrichment, extension, and deeper learning opportunities in the classroom.
We hope these reports will support meaningful conversations among students, families, and teachers about what students understand, which skills are developing, and how families can support learning at home.
Members of the Curriculum and Instruction Department will provide a brief overview at each elementary school’s Back-to-School Night. In addition, the district website will include a new Elementary Progress Reports section with sample reports, frequently asked questions, Learning Indicator explanations, and other resources.
We appreciate your partnership as we implement this updated reporting system to strengthen our understanding of each student’s learning needs and progress.