I am just finishing up our standards based report cards for the second time this year in first grade. I honestly feel sitting down and grading ALL the Common Core Standards for each first grader is very timely. There are over 50 different standards not including grades for science/social studies.
When I first started teaching in the 80’s, I used grades like N…Not making progress, I…Improving, S…Satisfactory and VG…Very Good in all the different subjects(Reading, Writing, Math, Science and Social Studies). There were only a few standards under each subject. It made it so much easier to grade. I understand as the students get older they should be held more accountable for their standards.
All of my students are making progress. Some quicker than others and some slower than others. All the research I have read says that by third grade the students start to average out with their academic and behavior levels. Pre K -2nd grade students are trying to figure out what school is all about along with building their academic and social stamina. I have to write a 1, 2, 3 or 4 for their proficiency levels on each of their standards. I would prefer to grade like I did in the past for my first graders!
Teacher of all Things 
Agree times one million. When I was in elementary school in the 80s, I got those same letters. And I still managed to get into college because no one asked to see my first grade report card (where my affinity for chatting to anyone and everyone was duly noted). I’ve often wished I could report on things like whether my students are kind, or how they rallied around a classmate in need, instead of whether or not they can describe the attributes of 3-d shapes.
I so agree!
I am so with you. Sometimes we miss the forest for the trees in education today! Sometimes more data is just that–more data. Hang in there!!
I feel your pain! Although I do not [yet!] have Common Core standards for my PK-3 classroom, I just spent a ridiculous amount of time writing report cards for these young learners at my public school. I wish we had more flexibility, could share with families what we feel needs to be shared.
Hopefully you all (1st grade team) started streamlining your report card on Friday to be more user friendly. More time teaching, less time reporting and everyone will be better off!!