Commitment 2: Academic Achievement is Reported Separately from Behaviors

At Grain Valley Schools, our commitment is to provide you with the clearest possible picture of students' learning. To achieve this, we believe it's important to report academic achievement and behaviors separately in order to give:

• Accurate Reflection of Learning: students' academic grades will now solely reflect their understanding and mastery of the course material. When factors like effort, participation, or work habits influence a grade, it can make it harder to truly see what students knows and can do academically. By separating these, grades become a precise measure of their learning.
• Focus on Core Knowledge: We want to ensure that grades truly represent student proficiency in the subject matter. This helps us, and you, clearly identify their strengths in areas like math, reading, or science, without other factors clouding the picture.
• Comprehensive Feedback: While academic knowledge is crucial, we also recognize that important skills like work habits, collaboration, and responsibility are vital for students' overall success. We will continue to provide feedback on these behaviors, but by reporting them separately from academic grades, families get a more complete and honest view of both students' learning progress and their development of essential life skills.

K-5 Habits for Success 

At Grain Valley elementary schools, we believe that academic achievement is only one part of a student’s success. Equally important are the behaviors and habits that support effective learning and positive relationships. These Habits for Success are reported separately from academic achievement to give families a clear picture of how students are developing essential life skills.
K-5 Habits for Success

• Works Cooperatively with Others: Demonstrates foundational collaboration skills such as active listening, participation, and the ability to work respectfully with diverse peers and groups.

• Works Well Independently: Completes tasks with minimal supervision, uses time effectively, and stays focused on learning activities.

• Actively Engaged: Shows curiosity, attentiveness, and a willingness to participate in lessons and classroom discussions.

• Follows Directions: Understands and accurately follows verbal and written instructions.

• Socializes Appropriately: Engages respectfully with peers and adults using appropriate behavior and language in social situations.

• Accepts Responsibility for Their Actions: Recognizes and learns from mistakes, takes accountability, and works to make amends when needed.

• Demonstrates Self-Control: Manages emotions, impulses, and behavior effectively across various classroom and school settings.

6-8 Habits for Success

In Grain Valley middle schools, we support the development of behaviors that prepare students for the increasing independence and collaboration required in secondary learning environments. Middle schoolers are encouraged to build strong academic habits that promote responsibility, growth, and effective communication.

6-8 Habits for Success

• Collaboration & Communication: Works productively with others, listens actively, shares ideas respectfully, and communicates clearly in a variety of settings.
• Responsibility & Initiative: Completes assignments on time, takes ownership of learning, and actively seeks help or clarification when needed.
• Growth & Reflection: Demonstrates a willingness to receive feedback, reflect on progress, and make adjustments to improve understanding and performance.
  These habits are essential for academic success and support students in becoming responsible, reflective learners as they transition toward high school expectations.

9-12 Habits for Success

At the high school level, Habits for Success are grounded in our belief that students should grow as self-directed learners and individuals of character. Those habits help prepare students not only for graduation but for life beyond high school.

9-12 Habits for Success

• Self-Directed Learner - Academic Excellence: The student takes initiative in their learning by setting goals, asking relevant questions, engaging fully in instruction, and reflecting on their progress to achieve high standards of academic performance.
• Demonstrates the Valley Way - Integrity: The student models ethical behavior, makes responsible decisions, and acts with honesty and integrity in academic and personal situations.

By cultivating these habits, high school students strengthen their ability to lead themselves, contribute to their communities, and succeed in future academic and career pursuits.