Student Assessment

At The Cooper School’s Elementary School, we take a fundamentally different approach to grading and assessment. Unlike the traditional A, B, C grading system that has remained essentially unchanged for over a century, we believe in embracing Authentic Assessment practices that prioritize students’ growth and learning. The traditional grading system was established in response to the industrialization of the early 1900s, resulting in a one-size-fits-all approach that fails to represent students’ true capabilities.

This antiquated system hides crucial information and perpetuates biases and inaccuracies. Teachers are often compelled to employ corrective measures like grading on a curve or offering extra credit to mitigate shortcomings. We recognize that this system needs to be updated; it’s disempowering for students and teachers. At The Cooper School, we seek to transform this paradigm.

Our goal is to utilize grading to enhance equity and achievement, focusing on student growth rather than cataloging their errors. We employ a system of assessment that informs instruction in meaningful ways, enabling students to demonstrate their acquired skills through performance tasks and presentations. We strongly emphasize Authentic Assessment, where students are given the time to plan, complete their work, self-assess, revise, and collaborate with others.

This approach aligns with research indicating that students’ brains are shaped by their thought processes and that assessments should go beyond measuring narrow achievement outcomes. Our emphasis on Authentic Assessment encourages students to develop solutions that span various contexts and adapt to different learning styles. It also promotes transparency in grading practices, making assessments less ambiguous and reducing the potential for bias, implicit or otherwise.

Our philosophy at The Cooper School

Our philosophy at The Cooper School is simple: assessments are used to guide, not judge, students. They serve to inform instruction, not just populate grade books. Authentic assessment is central to preparing students for success in the present day rather than adhering to outdated standards from the past.

We maintain a comprehensive system for informing parents about their child’s progress. Throughout the academic year, we provide progress reports midway through each trimester to offer insights into each student’s development. At the end of each trimester, comprehensive report cards are sent home, including a narrative overview and a checklist, allowing parents to gain a holistic understanding of their child’s academic and personal growth. Moreover, we prioritize open communication between parents and teachers by offering multiple opportunities for parent-teacher conferences.

As the spring approaches, we also conduct a special self-assessment conference led by the students themselves. During this unique conference, students take the lead in reflecting on their academic and personal journey, sharing their achievements and areas for growth, and setting goals for the future. This self-assessment conference empowers students to engage in their learning process actively and encourages them to take ownership of their education.