… We get grades in here?

An explanation of standards based grading in science this year … We get grades in here?

What is standards based grading? • In standards based grading, your grade is based on whether or not you know the specific standards (learning targets) as opposed to just an average of class work. • Standards based grading is grading you on what you demonstrate that you know, as opposed to what work you have done.

Say What? • Each until will have learning targets. • Example: Unit 1- Scientific Inquiry

Practice • During the unit, we will practice those targets. • We will have worksheets, activities, notes, labs, quizzes, etc. to practice. • I will give you feedback on how you are doing on your assignments. What you need to improve on, what you are doing well. • YOU MUST TRY TO IMPROVE!!

Determining MASTERY • At the end of the unit, when I think you should be ready and we have practiced, practiced, practiced… there will be a test. • Each test will have 3 questions for each target. • If you get all 3 questions correct, you get a 3 for mastering that target. • 2 correct= 2 (need to improve). • 0-1 correct= 1 (lacks basic understanding)

Standards Grades • 3= Mastery • 2= Developing • 1= Basic knowledge • The grades you get on your standards is 80% of your overall science grade!!!!

Assignments • True standards based grading gives you no grades for anything else. • I want to be able to keep track of what you have done, so I am making assignments 20 % of overall grades.

Assignment grades • Since it is just practice, I am not assigning a percentage grade, but rather a grade based on effort. • Also don’t want to get confused with mastery, so not 1,2,3.

Assignment grades • 30= completed assignment and showed effort. • 20= completed part of assignment and showed effort. • 10- completed very little of assignment or did not show effort. • Missing*= Did not do/ turn in… does count as a zero in the gradebook.

Example 1- Suzie • Suzie scores all 3’s showing mastery of each learning target, but does NO classwork/ homework. • Her average would be an 80% C

Example 2- John • John scores 1’s for all of his targets, but does all of his assignments. • His score would be 47/F

Example 3- Juan • Juan scores a combination of 2’s and 3’s for his targets. • Juan does most of his assignments and gets 30’s, but does score a 20. • His grade would be in the 80’s B/C

What if you score a 1? • If you score less than a 2 on a target, you MUST work to improve that target… 1’s are NOT ACCEPTABLE!! • If you get a 2, you can CHOOSE to stop working on that target, but remember that if you have all 2’s and complete ALL assignments, you would have a 73/D.

How do I improve? • If you score a 1 or 2 on a target and want to improve, you can practice some more/ study some more and retake that portion of the test (in a different form). • First test is multiple choice. • Retakes are written. • There is no penalty for not getting a 3 on the first try!! 

How will I check my grade? • If you do not know how to get on Infinite Campus to check your grades, you can see Mr. Staker or I can try to get you directions. • There is a link from the school website. • I will update you on your grade periodically, but will not really have time to get you your grade on a moments notice while I am trying to have class.

Bottom Line… DO YOUR BEST… the 1st time!!!

… We get grades in here?