note for parents · web view1) students are partners in their own learning. 2) students monitor...

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Note for Parents: Hello everyone. I thought I would offer a few thoughts on homework as every teacher approaches this differently. I only assign pieces when practice is necessary to aid in understanding an idea. I do not assign work for the sake of work itself as this is not an effective learning support in my view. The most important homework pieces will center on lab designs of the students own creation and reading selections to support in-class discussions, etc.. AP experiences are designed to mirror college courses and so there will be something to do most nights. Check my calendar and you will be able to see what we are working on and the corresponding items that are appearing in the lab journal. Journals are critical in my class as they are the primary document for demonstrating work and understanding in my classes. They should be neat, complete and well organized. I keep a list of items on the Blog of this site so you can check in on the progress of your student. I grade students on a proficiency scale (read below for more) that is essentially a series of weighted averages tied to science standards, both national and state. In this system, students have multiple opportunities to demonstrate understanding of any given idea and I have found this to be a far more accurate and fair approach to assessment than total point systems. If you have questions on any of this please feel free to contact me. Benefits of Standards-Based Grading for Students 1) Students are partners in their own learning. 2) Students monitor their own progress toward the achievement of learning targets. 3) Learning targets are clearly defined. 4) Students understand the expectations and purpose of each learning

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Page 1: Note for Parents · Web view1) Students are partners in their own learning. 2) Students monitor their own progress toward the achievement of learning targets. 3) Learning targets

Note for Parents: Hello everyone. I thought I would offer a few thoughts on homework as every teacher approaches this differently. I only assign pieces when practice is necessary to aid in understanding an idea. I do not assign work for the sake of work itself as this is not an effective learning support in my view. The most important homework pieces will center on lab designs of the students own creation and reading selections to support in-class discussions, etc.. AP experiences are designed to mirror college courses and so there will be something to do most nights. Check my calendar and you will be able to see what we are working on and the corresponding items that are appearing in the lab journal. Journals are critical in my class as they are the primary document for demonstrating work and understanding in my classes. They should be neat, complete and well organized. I keep a list of items on the Blog of this site so you can check in on the progress of your student. I grade students on a proficiency scale (read below for more) that is essentially a series of weighted averages tied to science standards, both national and state. In this system, students have multiple opportunities to demonstrate understanding of any given idea and I have found this to be a far more accurate and fair approach to assessment than total point systems. If you have questions on any of this please feel free to contact me.

Benefits of Standards-Based Grading for Students

1) Students are partners in their own learning.

2) Students monitor their own progress toward the achievement of learningtargets.

3) Learning targets are clearly defined.

4) Students understand the expectations and purpose of each learningexperience.

4) All assessments are clearly aligned to the learning targets, which aredirectly aligned to CCSS & NGSS Academic Standards.

5) Students are required to think critically and to solve real-world problems.

6) Students are offered multiple opportunities and ways through which todemonstrate proficiency.

7) Instruction meets the needs of all students.

8) All students can achieve their highest potential.

9) Every student has a firm foundation for future learning before he/she movesalong to other ideas.

Page 2: Note for Parents · Web view1) Students are partners in their own learning. 2) Students monitor their own progress toward the achievement of learning targets. 3) Learning targets

What does proficiency grading look like in my class?

Proficiency Grading is a refined way of reporting what students know and how they demonstrate their learning of state content standards. Students will have multiple opportunities to prove proficiency on each standard (a scientific concept/idea. Student grades will reflect their knowledge of the state/national standards addressed in their science class.

What is the purpose of Proficiency Grading?

The purpose of Proficiency Grading is to align grading with the state content standards and provide students with feedback that is consistent from teacher to teacher and class to class. The primary goal is to better communicate what each student knows and is able to do according to state content standards and separately assess the influence of positive and consistent work habits on student learning.

How is Proficiency Grading different from traditional grading?

Traditional grading averages all of the work and other subjective factors that a student has done over a semester. Proficiency grading separately records student scores by content standard so that students and parents can see which skills students have mastered and which skills require more practice.

With traditional grading, low test scores early in the semester can have a very negative impact on a student's overall grade average. Proficiency grades measure a student's knowledge of math standards over time by reporting the most recent, consistent level of performance. If a student struggles in the beginning of a unit with new content, but then learns and consistently demonstrates proficiency, the final grade will reflect the skill level the student has upon exiting the course. The overall score for each standard is calculated using a power law instead of straight averages.

Traditional grades provide limited feedback; a score on a chapter test only provides an indication that a student has done well or done poorly. The scores and feedback students receive on standards quizzes describe exactly which skills have been mastered and which skills require improvement. Students know how to focus their efforts to improve their learning and theirscores. After receiving feedback and additional practice, students receive another opportunity to prove mastery of the standard. The continuous cycle of feedback, practice and additional assessment opportunities helps students to focus their learning, chart their progress and reach their learning goals.

Score Description:

4.0 Masters complex content.3.5 Masters standard content and can do some complex content.3.0 Masters standard content.2.5 Masters basic content and can do some standard content.2.0 Masters basic content.

Page 3: Note for Parents · Web view1) Students are partners in their own learning. 2) Students monitor their own progress toward the achievement of learning targets. 3) Learning targets

1.5 Can do some basic content without help.1.0 Can do some basic and standard content with help.0.5 Can do some basic content only with help.0.0 No success, even with help.

Power Law vs. Strict Average

Using averages to calculate grades can punish a student for lower scores on early attempts. The power-law method is based on tracking improvements. As a result the grade calculations more closely match the student's progress.

For example: a student receives scores of 1.5, 2.0 and 3.0 on quizzes for a particular topic. Using the strict average the student receives a 2.17 as their final score. Using the power-law the student receives a 2.83 as their final score.

If you have made it this far thanks. In my experience providing multiple opportunities for students to demonstrate their learning always benefits the student. If you have questions feel free to email me.

Regards, Graham Dey