1. Welcome
We are so glad you are here to learn about the new grading system for 7th grade science! Please take a seat and we will begin shortly.

2. Rationale Improve test grades
Students take responsibility for their grades
Students have a growth mindset
Provide more opportunities for students to demonstrate content mastery

3. Rationale Continued
The student has mastery if they earn a 70 or higher for a concept.
Students will record each score in their composition notebook.
Give students more opportunities to be successful
Help students see the concepts they need to work on
will be helpful during semester finals

4. Our Goal for Every Student
We want all students to earn a 5 on at least one attempt at each concept
Earning a 5 means that the student has a deep understanding of the concept
Our questions are modeled after what students will see on the 8th grade Science STAAR test and 9th grade Biology End of Course Exam
Students are given the opportunity to show their mastery of a concept through a blend of multiple choice and written responses

5. Unit
Concept
Topic
Think Like a Scientist 1A
Safety and Scientific Method 1B
Work
Introduction to Organisms 2A
Organic Compounds 2B
Cell Structures 2C
Cell Functions
Human Body Systems 3A
Circulatory, Respiratory, Skeletal, Muscular 3B
Digestion 3C
Excretory, Respiratory, Integumentary, Nervous, Endocrine
Homeostasis and Response to Stimuli 4A
Heredity 5A 5B
Traits and Genetic Material
Adaptations 6A
Natural Selection and Selective Breeding 6B
Structures and Dichotomous Keys
Matter and Energy 7A
Photosynthesis 7B
Flow of Energy in Ecosystems
Healthy Environment 8A
Biodiversity and Sustainability 8B
Ecological Succession
Environmental Changes 9A
Weathering, Erosion and Deposition of Ecoregions 9B
Topographic Maps 9C
Watersheds
Space
10A

6. Highest Score
Additional Score
Grade Earned 5
100 4 95 3 90
2 or 1 85 80
3, 2, or 1 75 70
1 or 2 65 2 60 1 55 50

7. Example Our assessment tomorrow is over concept 2B and 2C
Lets say: on the previous assessment Steve made a 3 on concept 2B (Cell Structures)
Steve understood the basics of the concept (minimum)
Steve attends tutorials after receiving his assessment because he wants to get the higher score
Steve studies his notes and is prepared to take the assessment tomorrow
He scores a 5 for concept 2B (cell structures)
Since Steve scored a 5…the higher score wins and Steve receives a 90 in the gradebook for concept 2B
This is the first time Steve takes an assessment over 2C. Let’s say Steve really studied hard and reviewed his notes and makes a 5 for concept 2C (cell functions). This means his goal for the next assessment is to get a 5 which would give him a 100!

8. How you can help at home Ask to see your student’s notebook
Look on the page titled content mastery (this is where they keep track)
What is your student’s goal for their next assessment? How are they going to reach that goal?
Encourage your student to attend tutorials