Frequently Asked Questions from Parents:
Q: How can I know my child's grade?
A: You won't really know a "grade." Your child will be collecting evidence throughout the quarter to prove his or her grade at the end of each quarter. If you'd like to know the proof that is being submitted, log into PowerSchool to see feedback given to your child. Click here to see a quick explanation of how to "read" PowerSchool to see how your child is doing.
Q: How can I help my child?
A: Look at PowerSchool (student reports) frequently. All feedback will be there, along with possible videos I have shared with students, any scores from comprehension checks, feedback from any time your child shares about a book he or she is reading, and also "next steps" or a tip for how your child can improve further.
Once we have a formal writing assignment... If there is a link on your child's writing assignment on PowerSchool, watch the video feedback.* (Copy the YouTube link and paste it into a new tab. This link is unlisted; it's not public to the world.) Encourage your child to revise and resubmit work for more feedback. When the feedback comes back for the revision, encourage your child to revise yet again. Let's keep the loop going so the learning never stops.
*Note: Some students will tell me they prefer written feedback on their Google document, so I will not provide video feedback for these few. If you want to see it, students will need to open their Google Document for you, and not click "resolve" on my comments and suggestions.
Once we have a formal writing assignment... If there is a link on your child's writing assignment on PowerSchool, watch the video feedback.* (Copy the YouTube link and paste it into a new tab. This link is unlisted; it's not public to the world.) Encourage your child to revise and resubmit work for more feedback. When the feedback comes back for the revision, encourage your child to revise yet again. Let's keep the loop going so the learning never stops.
*Note: Some students will tell me they prefer written feedback on their Google document, so I will not provide video feedback for these few. If you want to see it, students will need to open their Google Document for you, and not click "resolve" on my comments and suggestions.
Q: How can my child prove he's reading?
A: Oh, so many ways! We encourage book talks, first and foremost. Some students, however, are not ready to get in front of the class to share their books. So we've got many more options listed here. How many books students should read per quarter are really based on what types of books they're reading, and their reading rate. (If your child wants to figure out his reading rate, check out how to here. Set goals based on the results.) Your child should also be reading at least 20 minutes a night at home. This will be reflected in their progress (or lack thereof) on their in-class reading logs, and, ultimately, on their comprehension of texts in all areas of school - and life.
Q: How does my child keep track of his progress?
A: All student feedback is given back to students in the form of the work they turned in and also on PowerSchool. Narrative comments will be updated each time that work is looked at or a conversation is had with your child regarding his or her work. Keep clicking that "view" button to see the latest updates. After the first quarter... In the front of their binders, students will have a copy of their goals from the previous quarter (the original will have gone home with them). We will continually reflect on our individual goals in class.
Q: How can I know if my child revises his writing?
A: You will see new feedback (perhaps a link to a video or simply written feedback) on Edline under the same assignment where the other feedback was left. It will most likely include the date of the revision, and "R#1" or "R#2" next to it, meaning "revision #1" or "revision #2" (when your student revised again). If you do not see any new feedback, your child has most likely not revised this piece, or has not let me know that he or she has revised. We have a clipboard on the chalk ledge at the front of the room for students to jot their name when they revise a piece. I take this clipboard home each night and look at revisions that very night or as soon as physically possible. Students can simply verbally let me know, as well (and I jot their name on the clipboard so I remember to look at it at home).
Q: When are assignments due?
A: All assignments - along with all revisions - are due at least the week before the quarter ends. If students finish them prior, they should spend the time gathering their evidence and organizing it so it is easier for them to figure out what grade they have earned for reading, writing, and grammar. Your child and I will be meeting in a one-on-one conference the week grades are due so we can discuss the overall learning, progress, goals moving forward, and ultimately the grade that is required for the middle school report card.
Q: How will I know if my child's final grade each quarter is accurate?
A: Each quarter, I will send home (they day progress reports are emailed home - or earlier) information from our 1:1 conferences. You will receive information on your child's reading and writing skills, along with goals for the upcoming quarter. If my evidence does not match that of your child's, we will first have that discussion. This discrepancy will be reported to you on our documents, and your child and I will make a plan for the next quarter that reflects any requirements that should be met. Results (so far) have shown that 90% of the time, students and I agree, and I truly believe the grades are actually more accurate than "typical" grading systems. (So do many students.)
Q: How can a 12-year old determine his or her own grade?
A: Your child has the capability of looking at evidence and figuring out what evidence should be let go (meaning they've surpassed that work), what evidence is the most relevant, and where they can improve. In AHSD25, our children are doing these things in many grades and classes. This is yet another opportunity for them to practice reflecting. Reflection is one of the greatest skills we can provide for our children, as it will help them to grow as learners. If I disagree with your child, we'll have a valuable discussion that usually results in either going with the student's view of the final grade, or a compromise of the two, with a better understanding going into the next quarter.