Sunday, April 7, 2013

Grades. Why?

(Caption: This wasn't even half of it!)
I hate grades.  I really do. ... Maybe I should say I hate the process of grading.  I don't get much from the actual numerical grade.  Honestly, when I grade, I'm thinking about the parents.  Are grades for teachers or are they for parents?  Why all the hostility toward grades, you ask?  Well, I spent my last day of spring break grading!!  Yes, it's my fault.  Should I have been better about grading this semester, yes.  Am I ever good about grading, no.

Next year, we are moving to standards-based grading.  I'm somewhat scared, but I think it is going to be more beneficial for me and for parents.  I'm still going to complain about grading, but since I see a purpose in it, maybe it won't be so bad.

What are your opinions, friends?  I know most K-2 teachers are already doing standards-based grading, but what about you 3-5 teachers?
post signature
at

4 comments:

  1. jiveyApril 13, 2013 at 11:00 AM

    Hi! I found you doing a google search for something non-blog related, and I'm glad I did! :) I'm your newest follower. Love finding fellow upper-grades teachers!
    Jivey
    ideas by jivey


    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Miss RApril 13, 2013 at 11:39 AM

      Thanks for commenting and following! I hope I can keep you entertained! :)

      -Leslie

      Delete
  2. Colleen BerginApril 13, 2013 at 11:27 AM

    Hi!

    I am curious to know more about standard grading? I teach High School and I've never heard anything about "standard grading" Is this an elementary education thing?

    Anyways, I am your newest follower :)

    Colleen
    Bergin's Classroom

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Miss RApril 13, 2013 at 11:39 AM

      Colleen,
      I wouldn't say it is an elementary thing... I can't really say much about it, because we aren't there, yet! From what I know, instead of giving a student a "C" in math, you would give grades according to the standards and objectives within. So maybe a student did really well with adding single digit numbers, but when you moved on to multi digit numbers, they struggled. On a standards-based report card, it would list the individual standards/grades, and parents/teachers would be able to see exactly where the student is struggling/excelling. So, basically, it helps grades have more meaning, and it should help when deciding how to adjust instruction. Does that make sense? :)

      Thanks for commenting and following! :)
      -Leslie

      Delete

Thank for reading my blog! I would love to read your comments! :) I apologize for the word verification images that are so hard to read. You wouldn't believe the amount of SPAM I receive daily without the word verification.