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Report cards and grades, explained

Some report cards show numbers like 88. Some show 1, 2, 3, 4 for each skill. Many middle schools use both. Here is how to read them, and how Goal100 stars fit in (they never change a school grade).

One skill:dividing fractions Number grade88average of points Standards grade3meets the standard Same skill, two ways to report it.
In 10 seconds: a number grade averages points. A standards grade says how close your child is to each skill.

Two kinds of grades

🔢 Number grades (0-100)

  • An average of tests, quizzes, homework and projects.
  • Each category can count for a different share (a “weight”).
  • One missing assignment can pull the average down a lot.
  • Good for: seeing overall effort and results in a course.

🎯 Standards grades (1-4)

  • One mark for each skill, like “divides fractions.”
  • Often 4 = exceeds, 3 = meets, 2 = approaching, 1 = beginning (each school picks its own words).
  • Shows exactly which skill to practice.
  • Good for: knowing what to work on next.

Each district chooses its own report card and grading rules. Ask your school for its grading guide.

A sample report card

SAMPLE MIDDLE SCHOOL · REPORT CARDStudent A · Grade 6 · 2026-27Marking period 1 of 41PART 1 · NUMBER GRADES (0-100)CourseMP1Work habitsMathematics 688ConsistentEnglish Language Arts 691ConsistentScience 684GrowingSocial Studies 690ConsistentArtPConsistent23PART 2 · STANDARDS (Math) · scale 1 to 4Divides fractions by fractionsUnderstands ratios and ratesWrites and solves one-step equationsFinds area of triangles4 = exceeds · 3 = meets · 2 = approaching · 1 = beginning4ATTENDANCE (MP1)Days present: 43 of 45Days late: 15TEACHER COMMENT (Math)Student A explains fraction stepsclearly. Next goal: check eachequation by plugging the answer back in.6Illustration made by Goal100. Every district designs its own report card.

On a phone, swipe the picture sideways to see all of it.

  1. Marking period. Most middle schools split the year into parts. This sample has 4. A final grade often combines them.
  2. Number grade. 88 in math is the average for this marking period. Some courses (like art) may show P for Pass.
  3. Work habits. Effort, homework and behavior are often graded apart from the subject grade.
  4. Standards marks. One mark per skill. Here, equations are a 2: the skill to practice next.
  5. Attendance. 43 of 45 days present. 43 ÷ 45 = about 96%.
  6. Teacher comment. Often the most useful part. It names one strength and one next step.

How a weighted average works

Many teachers give each category a weight. The weights below are made up; your child's teacher has the real ones (often on the syllabus).

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Example with made-up numbers

What one missing homework week does

Tests 82 (50%), quizzes 90 (30%), homework 100 (20%).

0.50 × 82 = 41 0.30 × 90 = 27 0.20 × 100 = 20 Total: 41 + 27 + 20 = 88

Now say 4 of 10 homework assignments were not turned in (each counts 0). Homework average: 6 × 100 ÷ 10 = 60.

0.20 × 60 = 12 New total: 41 + 27 + 12 = 80 (8 points less)

Lesson: turning in every assignment can matter as much as a test. A weekly 5-minute check of the school portal helps.

Example with made-up numbers

Reading a standards grade

Student A has 3, 4, 2 and 3 on four math skills. The average would be (3 + 4 + 2 + 3) ÷ 4 = 3, but the useful part is the 2: “writes and solves one-step equations.” That is the skill to practice for the next 4 weeks.

How Goal100 mastery fits in

Goal100 never changes a school grade. Your child's teacher decides all report card grades. Goal100 is practice that helps your child learn the same skills.
Goal100 lesson scoreWhat your child sees
Under 95%“Not yet”: kind help and another try. Goal: 100%.
95% to 99%Mastered! Go for 100%?
100%Gold Perfect star ⭐
After masteryQuick review after 1 day, 1 week and 1 month, so it sticks.

Three different measuring sticks

  • Report card: the teacher's grade for class work.
  • NYS test level (1-4): one spring test. See how to read it.
  • Goal100 stars: practice mastery, lesson by lesson.

Sharing with the teacher

Progress stays on your child's device. If your child wants, they can tap “Send to my teacher” to share a short code. No account, no email.

Example with made-up numbers

Goal100 practice next to a report card

Student A mastered 18 of 20 Goal100 math lessons this marking period, and got 100% on 12 of them.

Lessons mastered: 18 ÷ 20 = 0.90 → 90% Perfect stars: 12 of the 18 mastered lessons

The 2 lessons not yet mastered were about equations, the same skill marked 2 on the report card. Practice there first. The report card grade stays whatever the teacher gave.

More family guides on tests and grades

📅 The whole school year

Quizzes, projects, marking periods, a weighted average calculator and the 2026-27 state test calendar: Tests, projects and grades all year.

🧭 Results for every student

Regents scores, English learner tests and students with disabilities (IEP or 504 plan): State test results for every student.

🛠️ Help on test day

Extra time, separate location, tests read and ELL accommodations: Testing accommodations.

Questions people ask

Why is my child's report card grade different from the state test level?

NYSED's parent FAQ explains that report card grades include things like class participation, homework and quizzes, so they can differ from state test results.

What does “P” or “Pass” mean?

Some courses are graded pass or fail instead of with a number. Your school's grading guide explains which ones.

Who do I ask about a grade I don't understand?

Start with the teacher. Then the school counselor. Bring the report card and ask, “Which skill should we practice first?”

Can Goal100 stars be used as a grade?

Only if your child's teacher decides to use them. Goal100 does not send grades to the school.

Official sources

Rules can change. If a link and this page ever disagree, the official page wins.