HOMEWORK When prudently assigned and carefully executed, homework is an excellent preparatory tool for future success. Parents are urged to take an active interest in their child's homework but are asked to refrain from doing their child's work for them or even providing too much assistance. It is important for children to develop independent work habits and learn that they are ultimately responsible for their own success in school.

REPORT CARDS AND PROGESS REPORTS Report cards are issued to students shortly after the end of each academic quarter (see school calendar). Report card grade averages become part of students' permanent records. In some grades, mid-quarter progress reports will be sent home. Grades on these progress reports are for student and parent information and do not become part of students' permanent records.

ACADEMIC GRADE EQUIVALENCIES Concordia has adopted the following academic grade equivalencies (grades 4-8):

	95-100%	=  A	73-77%	=  C
	90-94%	=  A-	70-72%	=  C-	
	88-89%	=  B+	68-69%	=  D+
	83-87%	=  B	63-67%	=  D
	80-82%	=  B-	60-62%	=  D-
	78-79%	=  C+	 0-59%	=  F

In the lower grades, a combination of letter grades and teacher commentary is used to denote student progress.

ACADEMIC HONORS Each quarter, students in grades four, five, and six whose academic grade averages are between 90% and 94.9% will receive an Honor Roll certificate. Students whose averages are 95% or above will receive special recognition as “Principal’s List” award winners.

VALEDICTORIAN AND SALUTATORIAN The graduating sixth grade student with the highest academic grade average for the year will be named Valedictorian of the graduating class (this student must have been in attendance at Concordia for the entire school year). The graduating sixth grade student with the second-highest academic grade average for the year will be named Salutatorian of the graduating class (this student must have been in attendance at Concordia for the entire school year). In the case of extremely close academic grade averages, the principal may declare Co-Valedictorians or Co-Salutatorians. Both the Valedictorian and Salutatorian will be given the honor of speaking before the student body, parents, and staff at the graduation service.

STANDARDIZED ACHIEVEMENT TESTS Standardized achievement tests (norm-referenced) will be administered to students in grades 2-8 during the third academic quarter. These tests assist teachers and parents in tracking students’ academic growth and in identifying students’ strengths and weaknesses. They also serve as a guide for the further development of our school’s curriculum. Test score reports will be made available to parents in late May or early June. Concordia Lutheran School uses the Iowa Test of Basic Skills (ITBS) series.