Grading Policy 2022-2023

FSMS Detailed Grading Policy

7th Grade ELA/Advanced ELA

Skills Based Grading


Leander ISD has adopted a skills-based system of grading for all middle school language arts classes. Each language arts skill is broken down into clear expectations of what is necessary for mastery of that particular skill. It allows us to focus on the individual needs of each student and how he/she is progressing with each skill.



Rubrics

The expectations of student learning are presented through district created rubrics. From these rubrics, scores will be generated for each skill. Students and teachers will work together to track progress, ensuring growth and development as the year progresses. Rubric scores range from 1 to 4. A score of 1 is considered very limited, a 2 basic, a 3 satisfactory, and a 4 accomplished. For a more specific breakdown, please see the information below:


1 – the skill cannot be completed without help

2 – the skill can be performed independently at a simple level (below grade level)

3 – the skill is mastered; the skill can be performed independently at the required level of complexity (meets grade level expectations)

4 – the skill can be performed at advanced and highly complex levels (above grade level)


Teachers and students will use the 1 to 4 terminology when referring to scores. In the teacher’s online gradebook (TxGradebook), parents will NOT see the 1 to 4 scores for each evaluation. Because the reporting system for progress reports and report cards requires a numerical grade (60, 70, 80, etc.), parents will see their student’s average in numerical form. The following is a conversion scale (rubric to numerical):


1.0 – 60%

1.5 – 65%

2.0 – 70%

2.5 – 80%

3.0 – 90%

3.5– 95%

4.0– 100%



Evaluations


Students will be given evaluations as opportunities to show mastery throughout each grading period. Each evaluation will cover the same learning targets/skills (the assigned learning targets for the grading period). To prepare students for post-middle school education, the following terminology will be used: Beginning of Unit (Practice in HAC), Middle of Unit/Projects (Minor Assessment in HAC), End of Unit (Major Assessment in HAC). Each evaluation will increase in level of difficulty and weight percentage. These evaluations will become the categories in TxGradebook. Projects hold the same weight as Middle of Unit (30%) Teachers may also choose to include a “Skill Support” category (Classwork in HAC) for assignments given throughout the grading period, but not considered an “evaluation.” On Time Performance is assigned to projects, skill support or evaluations throughout the unit.


The following is an example of what students and parents can expect to see in TxGradebook at the end of a typical grading period:


Beginning of Unit (10%) - eSchool Practice

Plot/Characterization - 1.0 (60)

Point of View = 2.0 (70)

Theme = 2.0 (70)

Middle of Unit/ Projects (30%) - eSchool Minor Assessment

Plot/Characterization - 2.0 (70)

Point of View = 3.0 (90)

Theme = 3.0 (90)


End of Unit (40%) - eSchool Major Assessment

Plot/Characterization - 3.0 (90)

Point of View = 4.0 (100)

Theme = 3.5 (95)


Skill Support (20%) - eSchool Classwork

Inference Exit Ticket




Late Work


Late work is accepted up until 5 days after the assignment is due.

Individual situations may vary depending on your circumstances.


Retakes

Because of the skills-referenced grading system, there are natural retakes happening throughout the grading period – each evaluation is essentially a retake for the previous evaluation. However, retakes will be allowed only for the End of Unit Evaluation. Students are allowed to make up to 90% on the End of Unit Evaluation.


The following requirements must be met in order to be eligible for a Final Evaluation retake:


  • Attend a tutorial session – students must attend a tutorial session to discuss/review/work on the skills being assessed


  • Attend a retake session – students must attend a retake session after their tutorial session to have a second Final Evaluation administered


*The tutorial and retake sessions must take place within a week of receiving the Final Evaluation score.