• Dear 8-4 Parents/guardians,

     

    In your student’s science class, we are practicing Project-Based Learning. This involves myself being more of a facilitator of learning and discovery, with the students taking charge of the classroom. They are working collaboratively, receiving feedback from myself and their peers, as well as reflecting on their own learning.

    I have been taking some time to think about how I should access students and ultimately what grade to put into PowerSchool. I am using a Progress Assessment Tool (PAT) to let students know what our learning targets are, how they will demonstrate they have met the target, and a column for reflection and feedback. This, along with observations, conferences, and formative assessments will let me know if they have met the target. Meeting a target will give them 50 pts. If they do not meet the target, they have the opportunity to meet it throughout the unit. For example, they may come during homeroom to study or practice a skill, then on another day be accessed again for understanding. Every student will have as many opportunities as they need to reach the target, within a reasonable time frame. If a student still has not met the target by the end of the unit, they will “test out” of that target. Meaning, I will give them a written assessment and their grade on that will determine their grade out of 50 pts for that target. I am hoping this will rarely happen, but I wanted to have a plan in place if it does.

    Other grades you will see in Powerschool are for lab reports, for labs we complete in class.

    Never hesitate to ask to see your student’s PAT and I will post the class copy on my PowerLearning page. I will make comments also in PowerSchool what a student still needs to improve on in terms of each learning target. If you have any questions, please email or call and I’d be happy to help.

    Thank you,

    Mrs. King

     

    Science

     

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