Secondary+Grading+Committe+Information

 
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=Next Meeting April 15th at Flemington =

Committee Members
Kelly Hastings Judith Petruzzi Scott Owens Karen Probst Mark Rowedder Bailey Shawley Luke Herron Donna Dorey Carrie Adams Kellie Tyler Pam Temons Tina Killinger Kathy Yorks Ben Haagen Doug Winslow Wayne McCollough

Notes from Jan 8, 2009 Meeting
The group used the following questions to guide our discussion: • What does grading look like now? • What should it look like in a standards-based environment? • What should count in a grade- what shouldn’t? • What other systems are impacted by grading?

We looked at the idea of valedictorian and salutatorian---is this a structure that needs changed or modified? An antiquated system seems to guide some of the criteria---there is inconsistency. Is there room to honor more students with a “graduated with honors or high honors” sash?

What is the difference between honors and non-honors level courses? We say there is, but is there really?

Some of the variables used in grading currently include: • Extra credit- for toy drives, brining in food, good behavior • Homework • Pop Quizzes • Re-takes • Projects • Group Grades • Attendance • Rubrics are in use in some classes • Participation • The value of the items varies (tests may weigh more than quiz or homework, or not!)

Are we looking at eliminating grade levels?

What do we see as the purpose of grading?

Should we move to Advanced, Proficient, Basic, Below Basic as indicators of success?

If skills and knowledge are what grades should be based upon, how will we report behavior, etc….the student as responsible learner goals?

Policy issues were discussed- students who cut receive a “0” for the day…does this belong in a grade?

Other topics: • Athletics and eligibility • National Honor Society and Honor Roll • Transition years; 5 to 6 and 8 to 9 • Mid-year and final exams- do we need them? • Inconsistencies in grading • Grades for college classes • PSSA

We read a chapter from How to Grade for Learning by Ken O’Connor.

We established goals for the committee: 1. Establish an implementation plan for the action plan of the committee 2. Establish policy/guidelines for secondary grading including state guidelines 3. Create a meeting schedule for the committee in order to be better informed throughout this process 4. Define the purpose of grades 5. Look for models of grading in a standards-based environment; what are other schools doing? 6. Establish a consistent list of knowledge and skills required for each course of study 7. Inform and collaborate with other groups/stakeholders including administration, the association, curriculum council and DPLs, Board, students, parents, community

We established a timeline: January 09- committee meets Feb. 09- committee meeting to design presentation for schools March 09- Present to all secondary faculty April-May 09- Present status to board, committee meeting to plan for future Summer 09- New student information system implemented

The committee will meet again on February 25, from 8:30-3:00 at the Flemington building. The agenda will include designing presentation for all faculties, developing the student as responsible learner goals, and looking at the elementary report card for an understanding of reporting at that level.

Please bring any samples of secondary grading reports you may happen to “stumble” across!!

