Grading in 8th Grade Social Studies IS 276 Mary Valentine

Purpose of Grade Provide students with feedback about how they are progressing* in class Provide families with feedback about how their students are progressing* in class Provides information to outside sources (high schools) about how a student measures up in comparison to others. How can we measure progress in a manner that values the many types of learners and the many skills required for future success?

Ways to Measure Progress Content – the understanding of concepts being taught measured based on standards (teacher created rubrics and standards). quizzes, test, essays and projects graded as MHS, MS, AS, FBS, NE Work Habits - two types of work occur in class- graded as 1-4 Participation – being present, active listening, raising hands, adding comments, talking during small group work and engaging in classroom norms that allows for peaceful and effective classrooms Assignment completion – homework, effort on projects, timely completion of assignments What does this look like on student work?

Understanding Grades on Student Work in 8th grade SS Project and Essay Grades The day it is due students get a quick 1-4 grade for having turned it in. The project is assessed for content using a rubric. Example: The ability to defend and support an argument with evidence Project is assessed for work habits. Overall effort Sample Project Grade: AS/3 = 80%. Why an 80%? On the grading matrix an AS 3 has the highest potential grade of 80. We always want the best possible grade for our students.

Continuing to Understand Grades on Student Work What about tests and quizzes? Tests and quizzes do not factor in work habits; they are are about mastery of content. In Social Studies, tests and quizzes are assessed based on the following breakdown 100-80 MS, 79-65 AS, 64-0 FB What about MHS?

Meeting High Standards Projects and quizzes have MHS opportunities embedded in the grading rubric. Students know how to achieve MHS at the time the project is assigned. Tests and Quizzes offer extension questions that are optional and require a student to be able to express understanding at an advanced level. These two methods allow for different style learners to work towards high standards. A student must have an MS on the assigned task to earn an MHS.

Calculating Report Card Grades Sample Student Mary Valentine – Occasionally misses homework, sometimes struggles on tests and quizzes, completes outstanding projects, loves to participate in class but is a little too social. Content – Averages Raw Average 82.6% = MS Work Habits – Grade frequency chart Work Completion = 3 Participation = 3 Report Card Grade MS 3,3 = 85 student gains 2.4% points on report card Projects and Essays - 2 Quizzes - 7 Tests - 1 96% (1 with MHS) MHS 70% (1/7 with MHS) AS 82% (0/1 with MHS) MS Work Completion Participation 0 – 3x 1 – 2x 2- 3x 3-10x 4 - 2x Sept 4 Oct 3 Nov 3

Take a Closer Look Work Completion Grade A pure average for the student is a 66.5 % View it holistically and the student has a 3 According to the grading matrix a 3 can result in a grade as high as 95 (with an MHS) and as low as a 70 (with an AS) Mary’s grade of 82.6% would be lower if work habits were calculated as an average. 0 = 0% 1 = 65% 2 = 75% 3 = 85% 4 = 100% 3 assignment 2 assignment 10 assignments 2 assignments

Rational for This Style of Grading Number grades alone do not provide a full picture. Meeting or approaching a standard, which is the measure of actual learning taking place, is more valuable for students and families than a number. Work habits are important but do not indicate mastery of content. Work habits are important life skills that play a role in assessment. The Department of Education requires a number grade.

Having taught middle school for 14 years our grading policy…. From My Experience Having taught middle school for 14 years our grading policy…. Challenges high achievers to excel. Allows space for those still mastering academic organizational skills. Provides teachers with an opportunity to evaluate students holistically Promotes success for all types of learners.