What exactly does an "I" mean on a K report card

[Anonymous]

I know it is only K, but there are only three grades. P, I, and N. If my kid gets an I in a few areas, should i be concerned and asking questions? Just trying to figure out if I is something most kids get, or if everyone gets a P. Thank you

[Anonymous]

There should be a legend on the report which tells you what that means.

[Anonymous]

It means in progress.

I mean, does the grade make sense to you? Would you agree that your child is still "in progress" with that skill?

[Anonymous]

Thanks. I just meant from a practical level, is it a concern to have an I on a report card. I just didn't know what the norms were. thank you

[Anonymous]

I would not be concerned, but would work on that skill over the summer. One year my K kid received an I in handwriting.

That grade made perfect sense to me, and was just a catalyst to work a little bit more on that skill.

Basically, don't worry, but do maybe throw a bit of extra effort at supporting your child in that area.

[Anonymous]

One of my children read above grade level in kindergarten (per MCPS reading assessments), but received an “I” in reading for the 4th quarter. I didn’t understand how dc could exceed the grade level standard, but not receive a “P.” The explanation I received was that dc didn’t complete the particular reading level that dc had been working on at the time the school year ended. DC was “in progress” at a reading level above the grade level standard and was graded on that particular reading level. In other words, “I” doesn’t necessarily mean your child is behind. DC’s kindergarten teacher would always say that she couldn’t tell us what was “typical” for kindergarteners because the range of what’s “normal” is so broad at that age. DC earned plenty of “I’s” in early elementary and just finished 5th grade in a CES with an A in every class.

You probably don’t have cause for concern, but you should email your child’s teacher to get feedback on how your child is really doing and whether teacher has any concerns for your child for first grade.

[Anonymous]

It means nothing.

Lots of kids get a mix of Is and Ps and they don't really mean what you think most of the time since it's up to the teacher. There is official MCPS guidance but no one seems to follow it.

DS got some Is in K, but was reading 3 grades higher according to their own testing. He could answer the comprehension questions in writing and verbally. He was not very focused and didn't complete all the work. His teacher gave him an I for reading. Same issue the next year but his teacher gave him Ps explaining that despite his lack of work he was meeting the grade level standard.

[Anonymous]

I = In progress.

It also means a failing grade. F.

It also means "Below Grade Level".

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I = In progress.

It also means a failing grade. F.

It also means "Below Grade Level".

No it doesn't mean failing. No it doesn't mean below grade level.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I = In progress.

It also means a failing grade. F.

It also means "Below Grade Level".

You're creating stress for this parent for no reason. No, it does not mean that at all.
It means different things to different teachers.

[Anonymous]

I have a first grader. I asked about "I" at the fall conference. She said that she uses I to indicate that they kid "gets" the concept but doesn't consistently apply it. So my kid got Is for use of language. It means, in his case, that he is not paying close enough attention to capital letters and spelling of sight words in this writing. That is all--it's an area where he still needs to focus/grow. It doesn't mean he isn't writing/reading at or above grade level.

[Anonymous]

You have to know your DC.

For one of mine, an I in K in any subject would have indicated that the teacher had transcribed the grades wrong. It just was not possible.

For the other, even a single I in any reading/writing skill would have indicated HUGE progress and that the teacher deserved to be the school's teacher of the year.

By the end of the 8th grade, both were awarded MS wide academic awards.

[Anonymous]

My DS got several Is in K and 1st. Never worried about it. Going to the CES, a very competitive one, next year.

I like the idea of no "real" grades in early elementary but I think they are inconsistently given out in MCPS and cause more confusion and anxiety than they should.

[Anonymous]

It simply means a skill / knowledge area that is progressing but not yet mastered for that grade level. It is not anything to worry about and if you do have concerns, contact the teacher.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:One of my children read above grade level in kindergarten (per MCPS reading assessments), but received an “I” in reading for the 4th quarter. I didn’t understand how dc could exceed the grade level standard, but not receive a “P.” The explanation I received was that dc didn’t complete the particular reading level that dc had been working on at the time the school year ended. DC was “in progress” at a reading level above the grade level standard and was graded on that particular reading level. In other words, “I” doesn’t necessarily mean your child is behind. DC’s kindergarten teacher would always say that she couldn’t tell us what was “typical” for kindergarteners because the range of what’s “normal” is so broad at that age. DC earned plenty of “I’s” in early elementary and just finished 5th grade in a CES with an A in every class.

You probably don’t have cause for concern, but you should email your child’s teacher to get feedback on how your child is really doing and whether teacher has any concerns for your child for first grade.

Not OP but thanks for this explanation. Very helpful