There
have been many changes in the middle school over the past few years
with the conversion to block scheduling, the creation of Panther Time,
and the implementation of new state standards. Our teachers have been
challenged to accurately measure student learning with their grading
practices. To measure this learning, we have implemented the use of
Formative Instructional Practices (FIP).
FIP
is a researched-based system that is proven to improve student
performance by continually assessing students’ understanding of learning
targets. The results of these formative assessments are for the
teacher’s knowledge of students and is used to guide future instruction.
There is much less emphasis on homework grades, completion grades, and
participation points. Grades are to measure what students have actually
learned and not whether they are “good students” who pay attention in
class, do their homework, etc.
Click here for a FIP Introduction Video.
Most
of our grades will come from summative assessments (tests and quizzes).
This means that there will be fewer grades in the gradebook. In the
“old days” teachers were required to have so many grades in the
gradebook each quarter. This is no longer the case. As a result, grades
may drop, until students can adjust.
Click here to hear
Rick Wormeli discuss "How much should homework count?” Mr. Wormeli is a
nationally-renowned middle school educator who has authored several
best-selling books, including, Meet Me in the Middle: Becoming an Accomplished Middle Level Teacher and Fair Isn't Always Equal: Assessment and Grading in the Differentiated Classroom.
Other Rick Wormeli videos...