Thursday, July 12, 2012

Grade Scales and Stuff

Above graphic is copyrighted:  www.djinkers.com

Hi all,

As I've been working on the common core spreadsheets (which are almost done), I've been struggling with the grading scale.  So, how do you grade things?

I can't remember exactly what it says on our report cards, but I know it's a 5 point scale.  It lists the numbers 1-5.  Next to 1 I think it says "needs support", above 3 I think it says "developing" and next to 5 I think it says "proficient".  This is not quite the same as the standardized test ladder used here, which I think goes: below basic, basic, above basic and (I think) proficient.  This is one I'm not an expert at because our first graders don't take the same test.

 My first grade team decided to just adapt the old A,B,C,D,F percentages to the numbers and that's how we've been doing grades.  In many ways, I hate grades.  I'd rather report on student growth rather than percentages, but it is what it is.

So, how do I put grades in?  For big projects and writing, I usually use a rubric grid and try to make the final total 20 or 25, so it can easily be converted to a percentage for a grade.  For other things I go with a straight percentage of right/possible.

I'm going to try something new and hope it works.  I'm hoping I created a button below and I'm going to try a linky party.  So, please link up and tell us as much or as little as you want about how you grade!

ttt
And here's hoping I got this all right!
Joell

9 comments:

  1. Hi Joelle,

    I think we started blogging at almost the exact same time (last March?) I'm your newest follower.
    Katie
    I Want to be a Super Teacher

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Katie!
      I hope you're having success in your blogging! I'll head over and follow you, too. Thanks for joining me!
      Joell

      Delete
  2. I saw your name on a comment from another blog and had to post. I think I've only ever met one other Joell (it's my first name too) ! :) Looking forward to reading your blog!

    NotJustChild'sPlay

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  3. Hello,

    I've met a few Joells, but most of them have an 'e' on the end: Joelle. I think it's cool to meet another one! I'm glad you came by and I'm on my way over to NotJustChild'sPlay as soon as this posts!

    Joell

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  4. I am excited to be a part of this awesome linky! Thanks for starting it....can't wait to link! Teri

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  5. We grade as 1, 2, or 3 and we have 3 trimesters.
    So, we actually have 3 report cards and 3 progress reports. The progress reports and the report cards stay the same and we just add the number in the next column.
    A 3 means they have reached end of the year proficiency in that standard, 2 means they are progressing towards mastering the standard, and a 1 means they are not to where we hope them to be at that point in time.
    It works out really well!
    I'm your newest follower!

    Jen
    Adventures in Mrs. Martin’s Room

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  6. Jen,

    Thanks for following me. So I’m guessing most of your kids start out with 1s and 2s and hopefully end up with 3s by the end of the year. Are they split out by standard?

    Joell
    Totally Terrific Teaching

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  7. Just found your blog! Great linky party... grading is such a tricky process and there are sooo many different opinions about it! I am excited to see what everyone thinks :)

    Susan
    T.G.I.F. (Thank God it's First Grade!)

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  8. Glad to have you, Susan! So far I've really enjoyed reading what people do. It's such a huge subject.

    Joell

    ReplyDelete

I love comments...they make me feel like I'm not talking to myself.