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What should my child know and be able to do in 2nd/3rd grade?

In 2015-16, Highland began the process of using a report card that lists the specific skills a student should be able to do at these grade levels. We call the Standards-Based Report Cards. Our report card looks similar at both grade levels and is divided into sections, math, reading, writing, AIMSWeb scores, successful student skills, and specials participation.

The math, reading, and writing components are described in detail on each grade level's page found here. Please note, these are not all the skills students will work on during their time as a 2nd or 3rd grader, but are considered those most essential to student success. While we are still working on expanding the options found on these pages, you can find a description of the individual skills, as well as some possible learning opportunities for students still working on those skills.

AIMSWeb is a screening test we give 3 times a year to make sure students are on track. You will see your child's score as well as the score that is expected at that grade level at that time of the year. The tests include:

  • Oral Reading- Students read a passage for one minute on grade-level text. We track the number of words they read correctly in a minute, as well as how many they get wrong. They do this for two different passages, and we average the score. The score you see on the report card shows the number of words they read correctly in a minute. You also see the goal for that grade level at that time in the year.
  • Vocabulary - This test looks at the different types of words a student knows how to use correctly. This part of the test can be read to students by the computer if the student chooses. It is not timed.
  • Reading Comprehension - This test is a passage that students read, and then answer questions about what they read to see how well they understand what they read.
  • Math Concepts- This test a variety of different types of math problems that students do at that grade level. It might include story problems, time, money, shapes, etc. This test can also be read aloud by the computer to the student if they choose. It is not timed.
  • Number Sense - This test helps us understand how well a student understands numbers and how they compare to each other, as well as their mental math skills. It's actually 2 different parts that are both timed. The first part looks at how well students understand how numbers compare to each number. They are given two numbers on a number line and then asked if a 3rd number is exactly in the middle or closer to one number or another. So, students might be given 0 and 10 on a number line with the number 8 to compare. Eight isn't exactly in the middle, and it's closer to the number 10, so students would choose closer to 10. The second part is simply fact problems (8+7) that students answer using mental math.

    • Successful Student Skills:

    Both 2nd and 3rd grade students have the same set of successful student skills. Sometimes you hear these sills referred to as "soft skills," "life skills, or "employability skills." Overall, we know these things are important if a student wants to be successful in school both this year and in the years to come. We feel this section is one of the most important things you will see on this report card. Because of this importance, this is what you will see on progress reports in the middle of each quarter. That means, we will report this information to you, the parent, EIGHT (8) times throughout the year. This is the section we desperately need parents to partner with the school to help a child build. They include:

    • Show effort.
    • Display a positive attitude.
    • Follow school and class rules.
    • Use time effectively.
    • Show respect to others and property.
    • Follow directions and use good listening skills.
    • Complete assignments on time.
    • Turn in homework.
    • Work neatly.

    Special Participation:

    Our special classes include: physical education, music, library, character education, and computers. These teachers report how well students are showing effort and participating positively in those classes. PE is once a day. The others are scheduled throughout the week. Our librarian also teaches character education, so those specials are grouped together on the report card. If you have questions about any of these classes or their reports, those teacher's emails are included on the report card.