Assessment and grading are a very important aspect of my work as a teacher and I take this responsibility very seriously. After attending a presentation by Rick Wormeli last year, I decided to reevaluate how I was grading. My main concern as an educator is to make sure I am fair and have a firm grasp of what my students know and understand without a lot of other factors entering into the mix. Behavior, attitude, organization, penmanship, etc. should all be thought of as separate issues, not to be combined with their actual knowledge of the subject.
It is for this reason I don't inflate students grades by giving extra credit. I do however, give opportunities to redo assignments when possible. Students who do poorly on tests and quizzes are also given a second chance when an e-mail is provided stating the student has studied more or differently to increase the likelihood of additional learning. The goal after all is to master the material, not take a failing grade and move on to the next chunk of information. For more information on this topic, I have included Rick Wormeli's video. Please know that I am in your child's academic corner and want to be fair in my evaluations of his or her ability. This is very individualized for each student, so a "one size fits all" approach to grading is not in effect in my classroom. Please feel free to contact me if you have questions or concerns about your child's grade.
It is for this reason I don't inflate students grades by giving extra credit. I do however, give opportunities to redo assignments when possible. Students who do poorly on tests and quizzes are also given a second chance when an e-mail is provided stating the student has studied more or differently to increase the likelihood of additional learning. The goal after all is to master the material, not take a failing grade and move on to the next chunk of information. For more information on this topic, I have included Rick Wormeli's video. Please know that I am in your child's academic corner and want to be fair in my evaluations of his or her ability. This is very individualized for each student, so a "one size fits all" approach to grading is not in effect in my classroom. Please feel free to contact me if you have questions or concerns about your child's grade.
I love this poster! The curriculum we teach is based on the National Core Curriculum Standards. How each student accesses it, is very different.
Reminders:
Tuesday, October 1, 2013 - Genre Test -
Students will be given statements about genre characteristics noted on their handouts (seen on a PowerPoint) and have to respond true or false. There will also be a matching section and a number of exemplar texts which they will need to identify.
Wednesday, October 2, 2013 - Figurative Language Test Redo
Students earning a 15 or lower on the test will be given a second opportunity to take the test. Parents, please send me an e-mail stating that your child has studied more or differently for the the retake.
Thursday, October 3rd, 2013 - Ch.1 Social Studies Test
Students should study Section 1,2,and 3 Summaries, Quizzes and notes taken in their composition books. These tools contain the actual test material and serve as a study guide. Vocabulary is always a large part of the tests. Vocab. cards can be cut apart to play memory games.
Tuesday, October 1, 2013 - Genre Test -
Students will be given statements about genre characteristics noted on their handouts (seen on a PowerPoint) and have to respond true or false. There will also be a matching section and a number of exemplar texts which they will need to identify.
Wednesday, October 2, 2013 - Figurative Language Test Redo
Students earning a 15 or lower on the test will be given a second opportunity to take the test. Parents, please send me an e-mail stating that your child has studied more or differently for the the retake.
Thursday, October 3rd, 2013 - Ch.1 Social Studies Test
Students should study Section 1,2,and 3 Summaries, Quizzes and notes taken in their composition books. These tools contain the actual test material and serve as a study guide. Vocabulary is always a large part of the tests. Vocab. cards can be cut apart to play memory games.