Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my child seem to have fewer grades in Language Arts than he/she did in the past?

We have shifted our processes from grading each daily assignment and each activity to assessing the skills that a student exhibits after instruction. This means that we introduce a skill, model the skill, provide several opportunities on different assignments to practice the skill, and then we assess that skill with an assignment for a grade. The "practice" segment of this learning model is the most time consuming, and we are informally assessing their skill levels during those activities. But the only grades that are actually recorded are the assessments after learning has taken place. This practice supports (and is supported by) the LISD Learning Model...focus on student learning.

How can I help my child in language arts skills?

LA teachers will send an e-mail from time to time to parents which outline the skills introduced/taught/practiced/or assessed that week, and will offer “real world” activities that parents can use to reinforce these skills.

When can my student get extra help from the teacher?

Each LA teacher provides small group instruction during class, individual conferences with focused instruction, and tutorials. Tutorials may be before or after school. Your child should contact his/her teacher regarding tutoring schedules and passes to attend.

How do LA teachers decide what skills to assess and when?

LISD Curriculum Guides provide a suggested scope and sequence of skills instruction and assessment. Each grading period, specific skills are taught and measured. Skills are never assessed until they have been taught and practiced. 

When a child shows that they have not learned a skill (indicated by a rubric score of “1”), how does that affect his/her grade?

The “1” is entered into Home Access Center (HAC) and into the portfolio grade sheet. The teacher will re-teach, provide practice, and re-assess that skill. The new score will “override” the lower score in HAC and will be entered on the portfolio grade sheet.

Why does my child assess his/her own work?

Self-assessment is an essential part of learning. Being able to identify one's own strengths and weaknesses is key in focusing on improvement. The goal is that students are continuously self assessing and striving to improve their skills.