Superintendent unveils revised elementary report card that eliminates 'exceeds' and boosts narrative comments

The Hermosa Beach City School District will move to a redesigned elementary report card for the 2026–27 school year that eliminates the 'exceeds' designation, condenses dozens of per‑standard grades into broader subcategories, and requires more descriptive teacher comments to support family‑teacher conversations.

Dr. Wiles described a multi‑month process involving teachers, special education staff and administrators that included family and staff surveys, review of neighboring districts, and an analysis of national research on grading. “The purpose of the Hermosa Beach City School District Elementary report card is to communicate to families their students' progress toward meeting grade level academic performance and positive learning skills,” Dr. Wiles said. Staff recommended changes that include a three‑point learning skills scale (meeting/ progressing/needs improvement), 11 academic subcategory grades, and a requirement that each trimester include at least two academic strengths, two areas to grow and one suggested home learning activity.

Committee members and board members asked about teacher guidance and norming, parent‑teacher conference practices and how assessment data (I‑Ready, DIBELS, CAASPP) will be presented alongside the report card. Dr. Wiles said accompanying rubrics, exemplars and PowerSchool configuration will be developed, and principals will be involved in training to ensure more consistent conferences and comment quality. Staff said the changes align HBCSD with neighboring districts and are being scheduled for implementation with an administrative regulation (AR 5121) revision and a communication and training plan over summer 2026.