Assessment Philosophy
The Boston Arts Academy assessment and graduation process prepares students to do the kinds of work required in college and the work place. Students graduate by successfully demonstrating their skills and knowledge through portfolios, exhibitions, and performances.
BAA also has made a commitment to communicating with families about student progress. Families will receive assessment information at least six times during the school year: 4 report cards and 2 narratives. Families
are encouraged to contact a student’s advisor for additional information.
Assessment Glossary
Terms and Semesters BAA sets its own calendar and operates on a 4 term, 2 semester schedule. Term and semester dates do not necessarily correspond to the regular BPS schedule.
Mid-Term Progress Notices Mid-term notices are done approximately three weeks into each new term. Teachers fill these out on students who are not meeting course requirements or expectations; they are completed through a secure web site. Families receive these notices through the mail. Copies of these notices also go to the Student Support Team and to the student’s advisors.
Narratives Narratives are more detailed reports that an advisor writes for every student. As they correspond with the end of a term (Term 1 and Term 3), they include term grades. They also include information about a student’s strengths and weaknesses.
Probation Letters Probation letters are sent out at the end of first and third term before the Family Conferences. They indicate that a student is failing his or her major and they may be an indication that he or she will be asked to leave BAA. [See Probation Policy for more information.]
Family Conferences Family conferences happen twice a year: after term 1 and after term 3. At both conferences, the student and the family member meet with the advisor and have the opportunity to sign up to meet with teachers.
Benchmark Requirement Benchmark requirements are requirements that represent a specific skill or knowledge outcome required for graduation. If a student does not meet the benchmark, the student will not be promoted to the next grade or the next course. For example, the Humanities 3 portfolio is a benchmark requirement. Students must earn a “3” or proficient rating on their portfolios, regardless of their final grade, in order to be promoted to Humanities 4.
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