MYP Grading

At Mountainside, grading is a meaningful way to communicate student achievement, support learning, and encourage self-reflection. Our teaching and grading practices align with both Arizona state standards and the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) objectives, ensuring a rigorous and supportive academic experience.

Students are assessed through a combination of formative and summative assessments, each serving a unique role in the learning process:

Formative Assessments 

Formative assessments are ongoing checks for understanding that take place during instruction. They provide timely feedback to both teachers and students, allowing for adjustments in teaching and learning. These assessments help ensure students stay on track to meet learning goals and may include class discussions, quizzes, drafts, and reflections.

Summative Assessments 

Summative assessments evaluate student learning at the end of an instructional period. They measure mastery of content and skills and are used for accountability at the classroom, school, and district levels. Examples include unit tests, projects, presentations, and district benchmarks.

By combining both types of assessment, Mountainside provides a well-rounded picture of student progress and supports each learner’s academic growth.

1. What is the purpose of assessment in the MYP?
Assessment in the MYP is designed to support student learning, provide meaningful feedback, and measure progress toward academic standards and IB objectives. It helps students understand their strengths and areas for growth.

2. What’s the difference between formative and summative assessments?

• Formative assessments are ongoing and used during instruction to guide learning and teaching.
• Summative assessments evaluate what students have learned at the end of a unit or course.

3. How are MYP grades calculated at Mountainside?
Grades are based on a combination of the unit's formative and summative assessments. This balance ensures that students are recognized for their learning process as well as their final performance. Progress reports are sent to parents/guardians every two weeks. 

4. How are MYP assessments different from traditional grading?
MYP assessments focus on skill development and conceptual understanding. Students are assessed using IB criteria that emphasize analysis, communication, reflection, and application -not just memorization.

5. Will my child receive letter grades?
Yes. While MYP uses criterion-based assessment, Mountainside translates performance into traditional letter grades for report cards, aligned with SUSD district requirements.

6. How can students improve their performance?
Students are encouraged to reflect on feedback from formative assessments, revise their work when appropriate, and seek support from teachers. Growth over time is valued and supported.

7. How can parents stay informed about their child’s progress?
Parents can monitor progress through the Synergy, attend parent-teacher conferences, and communicate regularly with teachers. Teachers also provide feedback on both formative and summative tasks.

8. What support is available if a student is struggling?
Mountainside offers academic support through teacher office hours, Homework Club, intervention programs, and learning support services. Students are encouraged to advocate for themselves and seek help early.

In the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP), students are assessed using subject-specific criteria that reflect the skills and knowledge expected at each grade level. Each subject includes four objectives, and within each objective are three to four strands, which are the specific skills students are expected to develop.

These strands increase in complexity and rigor as students progress through the programme. All objectives and strands are assessed at least twice per year to ensure a well-rounded evaluation of student learning.

At Mountainside:

• Year 1 = 6th Grade
• Year 2 = 7th Grade
• Year 3 = 8th Grade

In Year 2, teachers use Year 3 criteria to best support student growth and readiness.

We encourage families to review the assessment criteria for their student’s grade level. You can access the full list of objectives and strands by clicking the links below.

Language and Literature

Explore how students are assessed in reading, writing, speaking, and analyzing texts.
Subject Brief and Criteria 

Language Acquisition

Covers listening, speaking, reading, and writing in an additional language.
Subject Brief and Criteria 

Individuals and Societies

Focuses on inquiry, research, communication, and critical thinking in subjects like history and geography.
Subject Brief and Criteria

Sciences

Assesses students on inquiry, analysis, and evaluation in biology, chemistry, and physics.
Subject Brief and Criteria

Mathematics

Evaluates knowledge, application, reasoning, and communication in mathematical contexts.
Subject Brief and Criteria

Arts

Includes visual and performing arts, focusing on creating, presenting, and reflecting.
Subject Brief and Criteria

Design

Assesses students on their ability to solve problems through the design cycle. 
Subject Brief and Criteria

Physical and Health Education (PHE)

Focuses on physical activity, health knowledge, and personal development.
Subject Brief and Criteria