About Me
I am an eighth-grade teacher constantly searching for a better way to encourage growth in my students. I first realized the issue of grades and GPA in high school when many of my peers in my advanced classes were dropping music classes because the "normal-level" classes brought down their weighted GPA. Clearly, it would be detrimental to their future careers should their 4.8 become a 4.7.
In my classroom, I openly discuss my distaste with the way my kids are supposed to be graded. I encourage students to see their grades as fluid and ever-changing, insisting they revise work on which they clearly did not do their best.
This year, I have begun to pilot Standards-Based Grading with my honors class. While definitely not a solution, I have found it to be an improvement. No longer are students assessed on their ability to turn in assignments, however that grade is still there.
This blog serves to discuss the numerous issues involved with grading, assessing, giving feedback -- whatever you want to call it. Hopefully it sparks some ideas for you!
~Elizabeth Shick
In my classroom, I openly discuss my distaste with the way my kids are supposed to be graded. I encourage students to see their grades as fluid and ever-changing, insisting they revise work on which they clearly did not do their best.
This year, I have begun to pilot Standards-Based Grading with my honors class. While definitely not a solution, I have found it to be an improvement. No longer are students assessed on their ability to turn in assignments, however that grade is still there.
This blog serves to discuss the numerous issues involved with grading, assessing, giving feedback -- whatever you want to call it. Hopefully it sparks some ideas for you!
~Elizabeth Shick