I teach K-2 music and on our grade card we assess 7 areas using S=satisfactory, U=unsatisfactory, & I=incomplete (will use for excessive absences) How would you go about recording grades for formative & summative assessments throughout the quarter? Since most of my assessments are performance based, would you use rubrics that only had S & U for a choice? Would you give participation "points" or daily S/U? What about written work? How do you decide a final grade if using only S/U for daily grades? Trying to figure out my record-keeping system, so that it can support the grades I put on the report cards. In the past I have had older kids & used percentages to equal the S, U, but also had S- & S+. Not really wanting to do % with the primaries. Lots of things to think about, and I think I know where I'm going, but thought some of you would have some good ideas to help me out!
Okay, since I haven't heard anything back, here's what I came up with last night....opinions? Grades of S & U are given on report card. In class a 4 pt grading rubric will be used on all performance based assessments. 4=exceeds objectives 3=meets 2=progressing towards 1=does not meet We must give a participation grade as well, so I will give a daily grade: 4=exceeds classroom expectations 3...2...1...etc When I have more than one score in each standards category (which will usually occur) I will average the score. An average of 3 or 4 will=S An average of 2 or 1=U If I give a written assignment that can be assessed on percentage of problems answered correctly I will convert to 4, 3, 2, 1 based on a specific percent range. I was just going to do a 2 point rubric, but thought I might be able to keep a more detailed track of student progession. Also, "exceptional" awards are given to students, so this will help me choose those students. Since there are 8 standards on the grade card, I will categorize grades (keep them seperate) by objective. Comments are welcome...I have always just given a lump grade, and am excited about the standards based report card---think it will actually be easier to justify grades this way. Just wanting opinions to make sure I haven't forgotten something or over-thought this out!!!!
I like what you came up with and you might even create a poster that shows the rubric you are using to grade them so they understand the difference between 1-4. Have you thought about using a computer program for recording grades? Many of them come with several options/ideas on how to score different areas. I am going to try Snapgrades this year because it seems to have the most features and I want something quick and reliable.
Thank you. A poster is a great idea. I have thought about an online grade book-I tried to use one once, but at the time it was a hassle. (My district required me to keep record in their paper gradebook, so it was double the work). I wish I rememberd it, because I liked the layout. If nothing else I will at least use Excel to do the averaging for me.
