Happy Holidays!
Just like every year, I am amazed at how time flies as he we are, another holiday season and new year is upon us. Now that I have my own daughter I really try to remember to cherish each of the seasons, especially this time of year when children's eyes light up with the thought of Christmas and the approaching holiday season. As many holiday themed movies try to tell us, if only we were always this nice and kind to one another all year as we are during the holidays - the world would be a much better place...
On a different academic based note, one area that I have a deep passion for in education is clarifying what our grades really mean in terms of learning, both strengths and weaknesses, for each and every child. Currently we are fully Standards Based grading in 5th & 6th grade and we plan to fully implement SBG in the years to come - next year we will "pilot" standards based grading in 7th grade, the following year in 8th grade etc. A few 7th & 8th grade teachers are currently using SBG as well.
Standards Based Grading is an approach to grading that emphasizes achievement of the course standards and removes traditional punitive grading practices like including citizenship, attendance, behavior etc., all combined into one letter grade. We really want to be able to communicate our student strengths and weaknesses around a set of learning and citizenship standards so that we can adjust our supports and efforts to make well-rounded & highly employable citizens.
Have a wonderful holiday season and new year!
