Walsingham Academy Mrs. McArthur Room 111 Welcome Back-to-School! If you were unable to attend, send me an email that you have had an opportunity to read these notes! Walsingham Academy Mrs. McArthur Room 111

Ancient and Medieval World First “Quest” Grade Distributions (given in %) A B C D F 12 26 23 14 18 22 29 The first test is a shock for some. I hear remarks such as, “I didn’t realize that I had to read the text materials so carefully.” or “I understood the idea but I guess I had difficulty explaining it.” You will note all the optional tasks that allow the students to show their understanding in an alternate way. This will help them recoup from a low grade. This is the beginning. Where are we going?

Ancient and Medieval World Final Grade Distributions (given in %) 2007/8 11 44 35 6 2 2008/9 22 47 20 8 2009/10 26 34 5 There are many ways to excel in this course. In addition to the traditional means to measure knowledge and skills: essays, projects, multiple choice, group discussions, etc. Last year for example, 4 students received a 100% on the final exam thanks to their use of extra-credit questions. There are also weekly optional extra-credit opportunities. Finally, I temper any tendency to be a “tough grader” by granting a “curve” which is applied to the end-of-term and semester exam grades. Conclusion: Students work hard and are very successful in history.

What’s a Parent to Do? Monitor course. 2.Monitor homework.* (Use our on-line resources) Curriculum Map SPA Communications* 2.Monitor homework.* 3. Stay in touch. mmcarthur@walsingham.org The Curriculum Map allows parents and students to know where we are at any given time. It’s particularly useful for giving parents some talking points. SPA and email are my primary vehicles of regular communication with families. I try to give you a specific breakdown of performance on major measures-tests, essays. This is also where I signal if a grade is missing and needs to be made up. I also indicate if there is a problem that might be impacting the student’s grade/citizenship. Homework is not just a matter of going through the motion of tackling the day’s assignment. Reflection on the ideas/concepts and making connections between the assignment and the concepts is critical and takes a while to internalize. Stay in touch. Encourage your student to come see me if he/she has a concern. Help your student to analyze what the concern is and what the student may wish to ask of me – that’s the start of a plan to solve a problem. Do not let things build up. Much damage is done when problems fester. *Be sure you can read the comments so that you and your student don’t get caught on citizenship matters.

Having Difficulty Finding Our Stuff on SPA?

Little Known Facts1 Except for holidays and special weekends, homework is assigned daily. I’m here after school and happy to monitor and/or help with homework. “80% of genius is just showing up” (with homework.)2 1As communicated to parents by students 2Woody Allen with amendment by Mrs. McArthur

Academic Performance rests on many critical factors… “70% of surveyed employers cite deficiencies among high school graduates in “applied” skills: Professionalism Work ethic Punctuality Working productively with others Time management Workload management”* Is this new? *Vaughan, Steve. "Summer jobs aren't so hot." The Virginia Gazette [Williamsburg] 17 June 2009, 4A

21st Century Skills! Now called… Creativity and innovation Critical thinking and problem solving Communication and collaboration Information (including media and ICT) literacy Flexibility and adaptability Initiative and self-direction Social and cross-cultural skills Productivity and accountability Leadership and responsibility Clearly there are some common traits associated with successful integration into adult society. Devaney, Laura. “New resource helps teach 21st –century skills. “ eSchool News. 18 July, 2008 <http://www.eschoolnews.com/news/top-news/?i=54606>

Sometimes it’s hard to know how to act, on even good advice!

Is your student much…. for doing homework? Possible Solution