An explanation of standards based grading in science this year

What is standards-based grading?  In standards-based grading, your grade is based on whether or not you know the specific standards (learning targets) as opposed to just an average of class work.  Standards-based grading is grading you on what you demonstrate that you know, as opposed to what work you have done.

Say What?  Each unit will have learning targets.  Example: Unit 1- Motion and Forces #Target 1I can describe the mathematical relationship of Newton’s 2nd Law (F=ma). 2I can design a motion graph of a given situation. 3I can analyze data to see if it supports Newton’s 2nd Law of Motion, F=ma. 4I can calculate momentum. 5I can describe the mathematical relationship of Newton’s 3 rd Law, p (momentum)=mv. 6I can design and test a device to reduce the force on an object. 7I can evaluate and refine/ modify the device. 8I can describe Newton’s Law of Gravitation. 9I can predict the gravitational force between two objects using Newton’s Law of Gravitation.

Practice  During the unit, we will practice those targets.  We will have worksheets, activities, notes, labs, quizzes, etc. to practice.  I will give you feedback on how you are doing on your assignments. What you need to improve on, what you are doing well.  YOU MUST TRY TO IMPROVE!!

Determining MASTERY  At the end of the unit, when I think you should be ready and we have practiced, practiced, practiced… there will be a test.  Each test will have 3 questions for each target.  If you get all 3 questions correct, you get a 4 for mastering that target.  2 correct= 3 (progressing toward mastery).  1 correct= 2 (developing understanding).  0 correct= 1 (basic knowledge).

Standards Grades  4= Mastery  3= Progressing  2= Developing  1= Basic knowledge  The grades you get on your standards tests make up 80% of your overall science grade!!!!

Assignments  True standards based grading gives you no grades for anything else.  I want to be able to keep track of what you have done, so I am making assignments 20 % of overall grades.

Assignment grades  Because it is practice, I am not assigning a percentage grade, but rather a score based on effort.  Also, we don’t want to get confused with target mastery, so scores will not be 1,2,3, or 4.

Assignment grades  30= completed assignment and showed effort.  20= completed part of assignment and showed effort.  10- completed very little of assignment or did not show effort.  Missing = Did not do/ or didn’t turn in… counts as a zero in the grade book.

Example 1- Suzie  Suzie scores all 4’s showing mastery of each learning target, but does NO classwork/ homework.  Her average would be an 80% C

Example 2- John  John scores 1’s for all of his targets, but does all of his assignments.  His score would be 45%/F

Example 3- Juan  Juan scores a combination of 4’s and 3’s for his targets.  Juan does most of his daily assignments and gets 30’s, but does score a 20.  His grade would be in the mid-80’s a B.

What if you score a 1?  If you score less than a 3 on a target, you MUST work to improve that target… 1’s and 2’s are NOT ACCEPTABLE!!  If you get a 3, you can CHOOSE to stop working on that target.

How do I improve?  If you score a 1, 2 or 3 on a target and want to improve, you can practice some more/ study some more and retake that portion of the test (in a different form).  First test is multiple choice.  Retakes are written.  There is no penalty for not getting a 4 on the first try!!

How will I check my grade?  If you do not know how to get on Infinite Campus to check your grades, you can see the counselor, Mr. Cook.  There is a link from the school website.  I will update you on your grade periodically, but I cannot get you your grade on a moment’s notice while I am trying to have class.

Bottom Line… DO YOUR BEST… the 1 st time!!!