What are Grades?
· A way to communicate academic progress to child and parent
· Should reflect the national Common Core standards
· Should be clear and specific to what the student can/can not do
· Should be based on academic markers, not effort, lateness, or participation
· Should be current to accurately reflect student progress
· Should be flexible to change if student has shown growth
Because we strongly believe in the statements listed above, we are using a standards-based grading system for MATH, SCIENCE, LANGUAGE ARTS, & SOCIAL STUDIES.
Infinite Campus Report---What does it mean?
When you check your child's progress on Infinite Campus, you WILL NOT see the familiar list of graded assignments. This method will not be used because we feel it is not specific enough and does not provide you with information about what your child can or can not do. You WILL notice that each “assignment” is actually a standard set from the Common Core State Standards, or what we call a LEARNING TARGET. These are concepts/skills/objectives that we aim to meet in 6th grade. Prior to lessons, students are provided with these learning targets so they know exactly what they are expected to learn.
Example of graded learning targets for language arts:
Makes inferences while reading = 3
Sets a purpose and considers audience when writing = 3
Can identify linking verbs within a sentence = 2
The following grading scale is used:
4 – Exceeds standards
3 – Meets standards
2 – Partially proficient
1 – Needs significant assistance
Mistakes are often made in the learning process. We expect students to practice through class work/assignments/ projects, and later show us their understanding through classroom assessments.
We want our grades to reflect the most recent evidence (which means the grades are subject to change throughout the trimester). When a student at first demonstrates a weakness in an area, if they make learning gains later on, this earlier weakness will not “count against” them. The grade for that particular standard will be updated to reflect a student's current level of mastery.
· A way to communicate academic progress to child and parent
· Should reflect the national Common Core standards
· Should be clear and specific to what the student can/can not do
· Should be based on academic markers, not effort, lateness, or participation
· Should be current to accurately reflect student progress
· Should be flexible to change if student has shown growth
Because we strongly believe in the statements listed above, we are using a standards-based grading system for MATH, SCIENCE, LANGUAGE ARTS, & SOCIAL STUDIES.
Infinite Campus Report---What does it mean?
When you check your child's progress on Infinite Campus, you WILL NOT see the familiar list of graded assignments. This method will not be used because we feel it is not specific enough and does not provide you with information about what your child can or can not do. You WILL notice that each “assignment” is actually a standard set from the Common Core State Standards, or what we call a LEARNING TARGET. These are concepts/skills/objectives that we aim to meet in 6th grade. Prior to lessons, students are provided with these learning targets so they know exactly what they are expected to learn.
Example of graded learning targets for language arts:
Makes inferences while reading = 3
Sets a purpose and considers audience when writing = 3
Can identify linking verbs within a sentence = 2
The following grading scale is used:
4 – Exceeds standards
3 – Meets standards
2 – Partially proficient
1 – Needs significant assistance
Mistakes are often made in the learning process. We expect students to practice through class work/assignments/ projects, and later show us their understanding through classroom assessments.
We want our grades to reflect the most recent evidence (which means the grades are subject to change throughout the trimester). When a student at first demonstrates a weakness in an area, if they make learning gains later on, this earlier weakness will not “count against” them. The grade for that particular standard will be updated to reflect a student's current level of mastery.