Becky Campbell, Kim Kelly, April Hartsig, and Matt Catalano
(West MS - Science)
Like many teachers in RCS, the sixth grade science department at West Middle School was intrigued by the ideas behind standards-based grading and took some exciting steps forward in embracing SBG in their classrooms. Their experience is still a work-in-progress, but it is one that they are excited to continue exploring next year!
The Gradebook
Setting up the gradebook was the biggest challenge for us. We wanted a way for parents to monitor their student's progress and yet not focus on the overall grade. Instead, we wanted them to see the level of understanding. Ourgradebook is split into a weighted format (new for the 6th grade as most teachers use total points and homework is a huge factor).
Here's the breakdown:
Setting up the gradebook was the biggest challenge for us. We wanted a way for parents to monitor their student's progress and yet not focus on the overall grade. Instead, we wanted them to see the level of understanding. Ourgradebook is split into a weighted format (new for the 6th grade as most teachers use total points and homework is a huge factor).
Here's the breakdown:
- 8% Homework
- 8% Common assessment
- 12% EACH standard (7 total)
The Standards
We currently base our standards off of the Great Lakes Content Expectations. We will be switching over to NGSS soon.
Ideally, we'd like to add in some skills for the first marking period and maybe extend them throughout the entire year. We will try this next year.
You can find a sample set of standards and practice problems for Science 6 here.
We currently base our standards off of the Great Lakes Content Expectations. We will be switching over to NGSS soon.
Ideally, we'd like to add in some skills for the first marking period and maybe extend them throughout the entire year. We will try this next year.
You can find a sample set of standards and practice problems for Science 6 here.
Assignments and Assessments
We give a lot of labs, which are a huge part of science. Most of our students' grades are based on their checkpoints, which we believe to be a clear indicator of their knowledge. Checkpoints could be a quiz-like format, science experiment or project. We choose the most appropriate assessment based on the skills being tested.
We grant reassessment opportunities to those that apply and then reassess at lunch on Tuesdays for all quiz formats. Corrections for labs and projects are also accepted.
We give a lot of labs, which are a huge part of science. Most of our students' grades are based on their checkpoints, which we believe to be a clear indicator of their knowledge. Checkpoints could be a quiz-like format, science experiment or project. We choose the most appropriate assessment based on the skills being tested.
We grant reassessment opportunities to those that apply and then reassess at lunch on Tuesdays for all quiz formats. Corrections for labs and projects are also accepted.
Changes Because of SBG
The focus has shifted for both us and our students. We find ourselves realigning the amount of time spent on different topics to better fit the standards. The students understand the value of their assignments. They don't rush to get assignments completed. Instead, they work towards understanding and take the homework more seriously. They are no longer playing the "game" of school. They are more reflective and honest.
We also find our feedback has become very descriptive. No longer do we just give numbers, but instead, we give feedback. We like giving scores based on a 10 point rubric no matter how many questions are on the assignment.
The focus has shifted for both us and our students. We find ourselves realigning the amount of time spent on different topics to better fit the standards. The students understand the value of their assignments. They don't rush to get assignments completed. Instead, they work towards understanding and take the homework more seriously. They are no longer playing the "game" of school. They are more reflective and honest.
We also find our feedback has become very descriptive. No longer do we just give numbers, but instead, we give feedback. We like giving scores based on a 10 point rubric no matter how many questions are on the assignment.
Tips/Tricks for Those Interested in SBG
Start small. We started our process by eliminating the "option" for homework. IF it was not done, we had the counselors bring students to class. We also cut down on the amount of homework. Finally, we created a social contract and made sure our students understood the reasoning behind this shift. They were excited to try it out!
Start small. We started our process by eliminating the "option" for homework. IF it was not done, we had the counselors bring students to class. We also cut down on the amount of homework. Finally, we created a social contract and made sure our students understood the reasoning behind this shift. They were excited to try it out!
More Information
In the presentations below, you will find some more information on how we explained SBG to our students and parents. Please feel free to contact us with any questions!
In the presentations below, you will find some more information on how we explained SBG to our students and parents. Please feel free to contact us with any questions!