All staff should have received something from their supervisors regarding AP/Honors/Survey/B Level recommendations for the 13-14 school year. All recommendations are due by Tuesday, February 26.
*Dr. Raupers has asked us to share the refined Marshall Rubrics with everyone, which will be reviewed during the PD days on 3/11, 5/21 & 6/24.
Complete Set of the Marshall Evaluation System
Important Dates:
- Monday, February 25 - Testing Meeting for HSPA 3:10 to 3:30pm.
- Wednesday, February 27 - District faculty meeting with Dr. Raupers for all instructional staff in the Little Theater. The purpose of the meeting is to update everyone on the implementation plan for the new evaluation system which goes into effect September, 2013.
- Monday, March 4 - Testing Meeting for HSPA 3:10 to 3:30pm
- Monday, March 11 - Minimum Day/Professional Development Day. From 1:30 - 3:30 all departments will be learning about the Marshall Evaluation System.
Open Grade book for Parent/Student Access
As the year has gone on, I have heard from many parents, students and teachers about their feeling and thoughts regarding the open grade books. I have to say, for the most part, everything has been very smooth. Like anything new, there are instances we can learn from and/or change as we move forward. We have passed the mid-year point of the school year and thought it was a good time for me to put out a couple of reminders/thoughts regarding the open grade books.
Back in September, I shared with you a Timeline for Assignments being entered into Gradebook, which was created based on your responses to the Google Form.
- Homework: 1 - 3 Days
- Quiz: 1 – 3 Days
- Multiple Choice/Fill In test with Open Ended Questions: 5 – 7 Days
- Multiple Choice/Fill In test WITHOUT Open Ended Questions: 1 – 3 Days
- Quarterly Assessment: 5 – 7 Days
- Writing Assignment/Essay (2+ pages): 5 - 7 Days
- Research Project: 10 – 15 Days
- Project/Presentation: 7 – 10 Days
Please remember to double check that when entering assignments, you have the PARENT box checked off.
Use the comment "Bubble" within each assignment to communicate with parents. This comment field is a great way to document information.
I think we all get frustrated when students don't hand in an assignment on time, or at all in some cases. I think, as a group, we all have to set hard deadlines for assignments and hold students accountable. When an assignment is not completed on time, that student should be issued a ZERO in your grade book and not left blank. When left blank, it causes confusion to the student, parent and administration because the final average displayed is not accurate. You will still be able to accept assignments late, if that's your policy; I would assume with points deducted. Then, you can replace the zero with the updated grade.
Nerves - Students and Parents have always been nervous when it comes to grades. Now that they have access at their figure tips (Smartphones) I think some of them are getting very stressed out about each and every grade that gets posted. It might be a good idea to review your grading policy with your students so it is clear to them.
Like most issues, I feel the best way to avoid problems is to always keep in mind the 3 C's:
Clear, Constant, Communication. Sometimes the grade book will work, sometimes you need to send an email and there are times you need to make a phone call or setup a parent conference. Being proactive can never hurt.
School Highlights - Blog/Twitter Posts:
PD Resources
Great post I think everyone should read. Some great talking points for students, your own children, friends and most important YOU.
10 Choices You Will Regret in 10 Years
Have great week off!!
10 Choices You Will Regret in 10 Years
Have great week off!!
