Grades & Report Cards

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During the 1880s, teachers completed monthly reports on pupils above the primary grades which were submitted to parents, grading students in their various fields of study numerically on a scale of 100.

In 1893, the numerical system of grading and the rationale for promoting students came under considerable discussion. Superintendent Jacoby found that “teachers were opposed to the daily marking of pupils, and the marking in per cent.” Jacoby concurred, calling the daily marking of pupils a “pernicious practice … which dissipates energy and wastes precious time”. Consequently, on January 26, 1894, the Middleborough School Committee adopted new rules governing both grading and promotions. Commencing in February, 1894, students were to be graded weekly by means of letters representing excellent, good, fair, poor and very poor. In 1885, the grade of “low” falling between “fair” and “poor” was adopted.

In September, 1919, a new system of report cards was adopted. Cards were sent home five times yearly (every two months) for students in the fourth grade and above. No cards were issued for pupils of the first three grades, though if their performance became a concern, parents were to be informed by means of a personal letter from the teacher.

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