Technology and RObotics
SKyridge Middle School
*STAR Class*
Mrs. Blanchard
Grading
Before I describe the ways in which I will use Skyward and how grades will be earned and recorded, please read that following information that I believe strongly in. Although I understand that grades are necessary in our society and that grades are an amazing external reward for some students, I encourage you to look at grades with caution.
“The research quite clearly shows that kids who are graded – and have been encouraged to try to improve their grades – tend to lose interest in the learning itself, avoid challenging tasks whenever possible (in order to maximize the chance of getting an A), and think less deeply than kids who aren’t graded,” Kohn explains.
When you log into skyward, what are you hoping to learn?
What does a C on an assignment really tell you?
-
Maybe you are/ your student is struggling to understand this concept.
-
Maybe you / your student didn't put their best effort into this assignment.
-
Maybe you / your student turned the assignment in late or incomplete.
-
Maybe this was a difficult assignment, and you/ your student worked extremely hard, learned a lot, but still has room to grow. ​​
Unfortunately, it can mean a variety of things that Skyward is not built to communicate.
Is a C good or bad?
-
Technically, a C is average. Right where they should be. You/ your student met the requirements on the assignment/project. That's awesome! ..so why are so many students punished/ disappointed in this achievement?
​
As students and parents, I beg of you- please use information on Skyward as a means of communication, learning, and growth. Grades do not reflect your self worth, ​nor do they directly reflect your intellegience.
If you do not feel that your grade is truly reflecting your ability level, determine what habits/outside factors might be hindering your ability to demonstrate this. Parents, these are great conversation starting questions to attempt to get to the root of a dissappointing grade.
​
Common factors that cause grades to drop that have NOTHING to do with intelligence: ​
-
Are you distracted during instruction or practice?
-
Social distractions (friends/ bullying)
-
Emotional distractions (anxiety/ fear of being wrong)
-
Health and wellness distractions (Sickness/ sleep/ nutrition)
-
-
Are you taking control of your learning? ie: Asking questions, seeking answers, attending help sessions.
-
Are you watching videos/ completing practice just to get them done and move on, or are you checking that you understand along the way?
-
Do you feel like you tried your hardest? What actions demonstrate this?
"What students need to be doing is working to their fullest potential in every class, including the easier ones. If your final grade [on a small assignment or for the whole class] results in less then an A, do not begin to reevaluate your worth. Instead, ask yourself this question: Did I try my best? If the answer is yes, move on. If the answer is no, then reevaluate your priorities — not your self esteem."
-
Is your work organized? Can you find your work when you need it? Can others read your work?
-
Do you have the necessary supplies to complete your work?
-
If you miss class, what are you doing to stay caught up?
​
What to expect to see in Skyward for Technology Class
What to expect to see in Skyward for Technology Class
Participation
Participation: This category will track students' effort, participation, preparation, punctuality, and work completion. It is used as a means of communication between teachers, parents, and students.
Although these are extremely import factors in student success, the scores only represent 10% of a student's reported "grade" since these behaviors do not correlate to understanding/ ability.
​
*Many parents use grades as a reward/ punishment system for students. If you choose to do this, please focus on this category alone. This is the only category that is completely based on student choice.
​
​
Assessments
(Assessment of Standards)
Assessments: Before each unit, a rubric will be given to students explaining what meeting standard looks like. Unit standards are typically broken down into 4 or 5 mini-standards. These scores are then averaged together for the overall assessment score. These assessments are based on the end product after 2-4 WEEKS of work, not a single day activity. For a day to day report, please see participation grades.
​
*Many parents use grades as a reward/ punishment system for students. Please avoid using this category as a reward/punishment guide. When this category is used for rewards/punishments, it often causes a fear of taking on risks and challenges. Difficult challenges that lead to growth and learning are seen as a sure punishment/ removal of rewards to come. Encourage your student to challange themselves and take risks by not basing rewards/punishments off of assessment grades.
​
​
Skyward Grade Conversion
Unfortunately, Skyridge's Skyward does not "speak" 4 point rubrics just yet. The conversion shown here will be used to convert the 4 point scale to a percentage score.
​
The reason a conversion is needed is because a 3 really is a great score. A 3 means your student met the standard. However, in terms of a percentage, a 3/4 is 75% which most parents/students don't consider to be so great.
Re-Assessment of Standards
If a student scores below standard at the end of the unit, but later feels ready to show improvement, they will be given this opportunity. This opportunity is the basis of standard based grading. When a student feels ready to show improvement, they will complete this form. ​
*Deadline for re-assessment completion is 4 days before the end of the trimester.
Note: students are only given four retake opportunities each trimester.
​
-
Prepare by completing test corrections, extra work, rewatching lessons, meeting with a tutor, etc.
-
Get one of your four retake slips from Mrs. Blanchard
-
Schedule your second chance with Mrs. Blanchard
-
Completely fill out this slip and have your parent sign it.
-
Show up for the retake prepared to improve
​
​
