Middle Level Grading Policies MASSP Middle Level Webinar Series Steve Hoelscher, presenter February...
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Transcript of Middle Level Grading Policies MASSP Middle Level Webinar Series Steve Hoelscher, presenter February...
Middle Level Grading Policies
MASSP Middle Level Webinar Series
Steve Hoelscher, presenterFebruary 3, 2009
Diane McMillan
ModeratorSteve
Hoelscher
Presenter
Why Grade?To document student and teacher progress
To provide feedback to the student and family, and the teacher
To inform instructional decisions
Less Effective Reasons
To motivate students
To punish students
To sort students
Effective Grading Criteria
Consistent
Similar for all teachers in grade or subject
Similar performance standards
Accurate
Inaccurate grades lead to poor instructional decisions
Large amount of evidence/data into a single summary symbol
Effective Grading Criteria
Meaningful
Directly reflect specified learning goals
Support Learning
Reflect student achievement only
Working PremiseA grade represents a clear
and accurate indicator of what a student knows and is able to do---mastery. With grades, we document the progress of students and our teaching. We provide feedback to students and their parents, and we make instructional decisions regarding the students.
Some Common Mistakes about Grading
Participation
for mastery, not taking the test
Effort
not a common, legally defensible definition
Homework
not for learning materials
no more than 10% of the grade
Power of Zero
Although common, zeros have varied uses:
• Failure of the assessment
• Failure to turn in assignments
• Serious behavior infractions like cheating
The Problem with Zeros
• Zeros give a numerical value to something that has never been assessed and that therefore has no basis in reality.
• They can have counterproductive efforts on student motivation.
• They involve inappropriate mathematics.
Extra Credit/Bonus Points
• Extra credit and bonus points stem from the belief that school is about doing the work, accumulating points, and that quantity is the key—with more being better.
• Anything that has enough points attached to it to alter a grade’s accuracy in terms of what students have mastered should be avoided.
Questions for Discussion
• How will post-secondary schools/business react to non-traditional grading system?
• What can we substitute for 0, or F?
• How do we incorporate non-standard elements in a grade i.e. attendance, behavior. Employers may want to know about these elements.
More Questions…• How can we explain to parents about homework—some parents expect homework every night?
• How can I motivate students to do homework without a grade attached to work?
• What about students with IEP’s or any student that is trying and yet does not have mastery?
And Even More Questions…
• Are you saying that we should only base our grades on summative assessments—my grade book might only have four grades? What are the parents and administration going to say?
• How do I convince my colleagues to change?
• What research and resources are available for me to read?
Resources• Download at http://mymassp.com/mlwebinarresources
• 15 Fixes for Broken Grades Powerpoint--Ken O’Conner
• 15 Fixes Study Guide--Ken O’Connor
• Email: [email protected]