What is a Student Performance Review (SPR?)

Summer Institute for the Gifted (SIG) recognizes that every gifted student is an individual with unique needs and interests. At SIG, the emphasis is on developing the processes of learning rather than on receiving letter grades. Instead of a traditional letter-grade report card, parents receive a Student Performance Review (SPR) after the completion of the student’s SIG program. SPRs are available on MySIGPortal a few weeks after the close of the program.

Benefits of a Student Performance Review

Traditional report cards have limitations and only depict part of the picture. Every student has different strengths, interests, and learning styles. SPRs provide a detailed look inside your student’s time at SIG.

Here are four benefits of SIG’s SPR:

1. Personalization

SIG programs focus on creating individual goals and learning plans for each student and this individualization is reflected in the assessment process. The SPR provides a personalized assessment of the student’s performance in the program. Instead of a letter grade, parents receive a narrative assessment that provides qualitative data about the student’s performance and attainment of goals. These personalized reviews assess progress and achievements relating to the student’s specific interests, course objectives, and engagement with critical and creative thinking skills.

2. Motivation to Learn

Gifted students can sometimes have laser-focus on achieving the highest letter grades possible. Likewise, some students may feel discouraged by a less than perfect grade and avoid similar academic content in the future. By eliminating letter grades, students can focus on the excitement of learning and allow their academic curiosity to manifest without fear of failure. Students develop a focus on self-driven learning, creative thinking, and true mastery of information.

3. Ideal Assessments for Problem-Based Learning

SIG courses involve various aspects of problem-based learning (also called PBL). Students are presented with real-world, open-ended problems and utilize critical thinking and creativity to devise solutions. Due to the flexibility and creativity involved in problem-based learning, the ideal assessment method is a thorough performance review, assessed by students and teachers, rather than a strict letter-grading rubric. This method of teaching and evaluation closely models professional workflows and assessments.

4. Specific and Thorough Feedback for Parents

SPRs take parents inside their student’s experience at SIG. Parents receive customized feedback on the personalized learning the student experienced during the program, as well as feedback on areas of future growth and further study. SPRs, as well as a letter indicating completion of participation in a SIG program, can be sent to your student’s school upon request.

“The student evaluation we received is comprehensive and very informative. It accurately summarizes the course content, the student’s objectives and the progress the student has made through this course. It also identifies the area the student should focus on going forward. Being a parent, I found it very helpful for me to plan my daughter’s education for the coming year.”- SIG Parent, 2019

Are you interested in enriching your gifted student this summer? SIG offers residential and day program options for gifted, creative, and academically talented students ages 5-17.