Standards Based Grading

Change is hard.  Anytime I'm faced with something new, I go into research mode.

Here are a couple of interesting articles on Standards Based Grading that are worth a look.

Seven Reasons for Standards-Based Grading by Patricia Scriffiny

Educational Leadership, October 2008

Read the article HERE

1.  Grades Should Have Meaning
2.  We Need to Challenge the Status Quo
3.  We Can Control Grading Practices
4.  Standards-Based Grading Reduces Meaningless Paperwork
5.  It Helps Teachers Adjust Instruction
6.  It Teaches What Quality Looks Like
7.  It's a Launchpad to Other Reforms

Reporting Student Learning by Ken O'Connor and Rick Wormeli

Educational Leadership, November 2011

Read the article HERE

Grades should be:

ACCURATE

• Nonacademic Factors
• Grading Group Work
• Averaging Grades
• Giving Zeros

CONSISTENT

• Clarity of Purpose
• Performance Standards
• Clear Policies and Procedures

MAP Matters

  

2013-2014 MAP Guidelines 

Scroll down to find your grade level.

3rd Grade 

Communication Arts Assessment Timing Guidelines

• Session 1 - 45-55 minutes (timing guideline)
• Session 2 - 60-90 minutes (timing guideline)
• Session 3 
• Part 1 - 28 minutes (strictly timed) 
• Part 2 - 24 minutes (strictly timed)

Communication Arts Assessment Test Blueprint

• 62-76%   Reading (fiction and non-fiction)
• 20-26%   Writing Standard English (grammar, spelling, sentence and paragraph structure)
• 8-10%     Writing Formally (writing prompts, writing format in lettters and graphic organizers, audience awareness)

Math Assessment Timing Guidelines

• Session 1 - 25-35 minutes (timing guideline)
• Session 2
• Part 1 - 10 minutes (strictly timed)
• Part 2 - 30 minutes (strictly timed)
• Session 3 - 25-35 minutes (timing guideline)

Math Assessment Test Blueprint

• 30-36%   Number and Operations
• 20-24%   Algebraic Relationships
• 17-21%   Geometric and Spatial Relationships
• 15-19%   Measurement
• 8-10%     Data and Probability

4th  Grade 

Communication Arts Assessment Timing Guidelines

• Session 1 - 45-55 minutes (timing guideline)
• Session 2 
• Part 1 - 28 minutes (strictly timed) 
• Part 2 - 24 minutes (strictly timed)

Communication Arts Assessment Test Blueprint

• 74-90%   Reading (fiction and non-fiction)
• 13-18%   Writing Standard English (grammar, spelling, sentence and paragraph structure)
• 3-4%      Writing Formally (writing prompts, writing format in lettters and graphic organizers, audience awareness)

Math Assessment Timing Guidelines

• Session 1 
• Part 1 - 25-35 minutes (timing guideline)
• Part 2 - 15-20 minutes (timing guideline)
• Session 2
• Part 1 - 10 minutes (strictly timed)
• Part 2 - 30 minutes (strictly timed)
• Session 3 - 25-35 minutes (timing guideline)

Math Assessment Test Blueprint

• 32-39%   Number and Operations
• 18-22%   Measurement
• 17-22%   Algebraic Relationships
• 14-17%   Geometric and Spatial Relationships
• 9-11%     Data and Probability

5th Grade 

Communication Arts Assessment Timing Guidelines

• Session 1 - 45-55 minutes (timing guideline)
• Session 2 
• Part 1 - 28 minutes (strictly timed) 
• Part 2 - 24 minutes (strictly timed)

Communication Arts Assessment Test Blueprint

• 71-87%   Reading (fiction and non-fiction)
• 16-23%   Writing Standard English (grammar, spelling, sentence and paragraph structure)
• 2-4%      Writing Formally (writing prompts, writing format in lettters and graphic organizers, audience awareness)

Math Assessment Timing Guidelines

• Session 1 - 25-35 minutes (timing guideline)
• Session 2
• Part 1 - 10 minutes (strictly timed)
• Part 2 - 30 minutes (strictly timed)
• Session 3 - 25-35 minutes (timing guideline)

Math Assessment Test Blueprint

• 25-30%   Number and Operations
• 20-25%   Algebraic Relationships
• 15-21%   Measurement
• 15-18%   Geometric and Spatial Relationships
• 15-18%   Data and Probability

Science Assessment Timing Guidelines

• Session 1 - 50-70 minutes (timing guideline)
• Session 2
• Part 1 - 25 minutes (strictly timed)
• Part 2 - 20 minutes (strictly timed)
• Session 3 - 55-70 minutes (timing guideline)

Science Assessment Test Blueprint

• 23-28%   Processes of Scientific Inquiry
• 12-14%   Properties and Principles of Matter and Energy
• 11-16%   Processes and Interactions of the Earth's Systems
• 10-12%   Composition and Structure of the Universe and the Motions of the Objects Within It
• 9-12%     Changes in Ecosystems and Interactions of Organisms with Their Environment
• 8-10%     Properties and Principles of Force and Motion
• 8-10%     Characteristics and Interactions of Living Organisms
• 8-10%     Impact of Science, Technology, and Human Activity

6th  Grade 

Communication Arts Assessment Timing Guidelines

• Session 1 - 45-55 minutes (timing guideline)
• Session 2 
• Part 1 - 27 minutes (strictly timed) 
• Part 2 - 26 minutes (strictly timed)

Communication Arts Assessment Test Blueprint

• 71-87%   Reading (fiction and non-fiction)
• 18-23%   Writing Standard English (grammar, spelling, sentence and paragraph structure)
• 1-2%      Writing Formally (writing prompts, writing format in lettters and graphic organizers, audience awareness)

Math Assessment Timing Guidelines

• Session 1 - 25-35 minutes (timing guideline)
• Session 2
• Part 1 - 10 minutes (strictly timed)
• Part 2 - 30 minutes (strictly timed)
• Session 3 - 25-35 minutes (timing guideline)

Math Assessment Test Blueprint

• 26-32%   Number and Operations
• 19-27%   Data and Probability
• 17-22%   Algebraic Relationships
• 12-16%   Geometric and Spatial Relationships
• 12-15%   Measurement

Drumroll Please...Nixerest!

New, Novel Ideas to Spice up the Secret Recipe

#TAGG from 3rd Grade

Make It ClEaR (Claim, Evidence, and Reasoning) from 4th Grade

Composition Books from Walmart

This is a great resource for CARE Teams and teachers to know about and use for RtI interventions.  It can be used with students who have problems with spacing, problems using the side line correctly, and students with sizing issues to help them as they transition to notebook paper.  We have some first grade and third grade teachers using this composition book with their RtI students.

 

Reading Lights

One of our teachers had a friend who donated some reading lights from the Glow Run.  The lights were such a hit during small groups that the teacher bought some more.

A New Twist for Exit Slips

Most of us have seen the laminated poster with a spot for each student to put their exit slip.

Check out how one of our teachers tweaked the idea using reading groups as headings.  Each student in the group puts their exit slip on a clothespin below their reading group.  This exit slip had students record the moral of the story.

Math Anchor Chart Organization for Easy Student Access

Math anchor charts co-constructed by students are organized by math units for easy access.  Show students how they are organized and students will get up out of their seat and use them when they need the support.

Nifty Classroom Calendar Made from Paint Chips and a Frame

• Pick out paint chips
• Then, figure out what size frame is needed
• Pick out a background material
• Adhere material to the back of the frame
• Next, glue on paint chips
• Put frame back together
• Enjoy writing on your new calendar with Expo
• Easy to change each month

Reading Nooks

Where are your students' favorite spots for reading independently?

 

Book Basket Labels Made by Students or Ready Made Labels

Work smarter, not harder.  Foster students taking more ownership of the classroom library.  They can sort books, make book basket labels/decide which pre-made labels go on which book basket, and decide how to organize the book baskets in the classroom library. 

 

Signs to Define Space

Students love turning the sign to "Discussion in Progress" during flexible guided reading groups.

  

Teaching Students How to Use a Number Line to Solve Problems

All you need is a baggie, tagboard to put inside the baggie, a Sharpie to make the number line, math flashcards, and an erasable marker for students to show their work.

Author of the Month Book Basket for Classroom Library

I would definitely add one of these to my classroom library.  Nixa teachers are so AWESOME!

Great Idea for an Anchor Chart

Literacy Station

Students love making high frequency words with Play-doh and reading them with their friends.

Class Mottos

Do you have a class motto to share?

Reminders

Need to speak with a student about something?  Put this little reminder on the student's desk!

Sign Up for Summer Book Study 2014!

This summer, we will be offering 3 books studies which will take place May-June 2014.  Registration will be open until Friday, March 7th or until all slots are filled.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP!

Guided Math in Action:  Building Each Student's Mathematical Proficiency with Small-Group Instruction by Dr. Nicki Newton

Dr. Nicki Newton has worked on developing Math Workshop and Guided Math Institutes around the country.  Most recently, she has been helping districts and schools nationwide to integrate the Common Core State Standards for Mathematics and think deeply about how to teach these within a Math Workshop Model.

If you would like to see how the benefits you're experiencing in reading and writing workshop can be applied to math, this is the book study for you!  Dr. Nicki explains how to use standards-based, differentiated instruction to build students' mathematical proficiency and help them develop the skills they need to meet CCSS.  She offers detailed examples of mini-lessons, center time, and small-group instruction.  You will discover all of the tools you will need to start guided math in your classroom:  sample lesson plans, reflection questions, reproducible templates, and more.

This book is recommended for K-6 teachers.

Projecting Possibilities for Writers:  The How, What & Why of Designing Units of Study by Matt Glover & Mary Alice Berry

Matt Glover is a former teacher and principal who is now a literacy consultant and author.  Mary Alice Berry is a former literacy specialist and instructional leader who is now a first grade teacher and literacy consultant.  Together, they created this text as practical support for teachers to create a unit of study in writing workshop.

In this text, the authors share how to teach with a road map rather than a rigid set of directions as you create learning experiences that meet students' individual needs.

This book is recommended for K-6 teachers.

When Kids Can't Read:  What Teachers Can Do by Kylene Beers

Kylene Beers is a former middle school teacher who now divides her time between consulting in area schools around Houston, and Yale University, where she is a Senior Reading Researcher in the School Development Program of the Child Study Center.  

This comprehensive handbook offers teachers what they need to help readers improve their skills, their attitudes, and their confidence.  It is filled with student transcripts, detailed strategies, reproducible material, and extensive book lists to help teachers teach reading that both instructs and inspires.

This book is recommended for 4th-6th grade teachers, but all teachers are welcome to join us.  

Valentine Activites

Can you believe it's February???  Whew!  Time is flying by... This week, let's peek at a few ways we can add some Valentine fun into our regular classroom practice!

Math Activities

Here's an activity that could easily be adjusted for various skills.  In the example below, the student must find two different ways to get the same answer to complete the heart.

How about figuring the area and perimeter of Valentine cards?  This cute idea came from The Clutter-Free Classroom.  Bump it up a bit and have students find the area of an irregular shaped Valentine!

Science Activities

I've seen this same activity with cookies from Mrs. Claus.  This version is The Case of the Valentine's Cookie.  Although it requires some prep work from the teacher, the kids really enjoy mixing, measuring, and figuring out the chemical reactions.  It is appropriate for upper elementary students.

Create a Valentine with a twist!  Challenge your students to be creative, clever and integrate your curriculum into the activity. Choose themes or have students write valentines to/from characters in your readings, a historical figure, a mathematical concept or a scientific idea.For example, a valentine from an electron to the nucleus:
Dear Nucleus, 
My world revolves around you.
Love,
Electron

ELA Activities

Looking for a new Readers' Theater script?  This FREE Valentine's Day Readers' Theater script is available on TPT.

What an amazing idea for getting kids to go beyond the book cover!  A blind date with a book!!!

   

Be sure to share your favorite Valentine activities with us! :)