Grading Practices

The purpose of grading is to communicate and document a child's understanding of a particular skill.  Not every assignment will come home completed and graded, as it depends on what is appropriate at the time.  Homework is optional and not graded, though it must be returned to continue to recieve it.  Work will be graded and returned within a week, with occasional exceptions for writing assignments.  Please make time at home to read from their daily book baggy and, most importantly, play! 

I will be using the A, B, C, D, F grading scale in all subjects. However, I will not be placing these letters on papers as it is inappropriate at so young an age.  Please remember that grades are usually a reflection of knowledge, not effort.  I will still mark papers with the the number of questions they completed correctly over the total amount of points possible (e.g. +4/5), but not the letter grade.   Instead, you may see check marks, smiley faces, and other forms of encouragement. This is to prevent comparisons between students and any form of shaming.  You and I may talk about progress at any time during the school year. Your child’s grades are kept in an online grade book and can be accessed at any time through the TSC web page.

Report cards are online only.  The report card will show your child's academic grade in reading/literature, language arts, mathematics, science, computer science, social studies, health, and specials classes.  It will show a standard grade (1-4, with 1 being a complete absence and 4 being consistently showing) for "do the right thing" traits.  Those traits are the following:

1. Works cooperatively with others.

2.  Is respectful of others and property.

3. Puts forth best effort and perseverance in work.

4. Accepts and demonstrates responsibility.

5. Behaves with integrity while at school.

Finally, report cards include any pertinent comments about the quarter from the general education teacher.

If virtual learning becomes necessary, grades may or may not be taken.  Either way, please be sure that unless something is marked as  classwork or homework, there is no parent help.  This is the best way for children to learn perseverance and for me to see what they know and the types of errors they make.  

If you have ANY questions or concerns, please contact me and I would be happy to discuss it with you!