[LIT] Grading Procedures

[Bill IVEY]

"A list for improving literacy with focus on middle grades."
<lit at literacyworkshop.org> on Tuesday, June 26, 2007 at 10:46 AM -0500
wrote:
>My department is looking at how grades are calculated for Language Arts. 
>I teach in a middle school that combines writing, english, reading,
>vocabulary, etc. into one class-English/Language Arts.  We were curious
>as to how other teachers distribute grades/percentages to come up with
>the student's overall grade for the class.

Hi!

My school is making a transition to grade-free, standards-based reporting
:-)  Here is what I've done up to now:

independent writing:  12.5%
readers response journals:  12.5%
generating vocabulary lists:  12.5%  (wow, is that indefensible or what?!)
vocabulary quizzes:  12.5%
classwork for units:  25%
final unit projects:  25%

I'm feeling much better about next year, when I will be able to evaluate
students on their achievement within six different course-related
standards, write a narrative comment on their progress, and provide
additional and separate input on their citizenship, participation, and
effort. I think students and parents will get a much clearer picture of
what is really going on with each individual kid.

Take care,
Bill Ivey
Stoneleigh-Burnham School