Grading Policy

Parents have access to the grade book through PowerSchool where grades and missing work can be found. Families can set notifications for new assignments being entered. Please utilize this app to keep track of your child more closely.

Grading Scale:

Above Proficiency
A - 4
100-90

Mastery
B - 3
89-80

Approaching Proficiency
C - 2
79-70

Below Proficiency
D - 1
69-60

Incomplete
F - 0
59 and Below

*Mastery of a standard will be represented as a B.

Standards Based Grading

My grading philosophy is that grades should reflect proficiency in each standard. Your student’s grade in each subject will be an average of one grade for each standard taught in that quarter. Power standards will be weighted at 60% while the remainder will be 40%.

On Powerschool, you will see many grades recorded; however, only assessments will be included in the final grade. Each assignment is valuable because it will show you the progress your student is making towards mastering that standard. You will still have assignments come home graded and with feedback. This will allow you to better understand what your student still needs to work on and improve.

Grading and Test Retake Policy

Because of Standards Based Grading, there will be less grades making up the final grade. My goal is for students to master the standards. If they are unsuccessful on a particular assessment, they may retake that test as soon as the next day. This policy is the student’s responsibility. The goal is for kids to take responsibility for their learning. They will know what they are learning and be able to study the skill at home before retaking the test when they feel ready. It is up to the student to find an appropriate time to retake their test.

Students race the clock to put decimals in order!

Math:

In Math, we will be using whole group and small group instruction, manipulatives, and our Chromebooks. I plan to teach the students several strategies for each concept to allow them to choose the way they best understand. I will push students to test various methods to reach their "A-ha!" moment. My goal is for no student to feel that Math isn't their "thing." I understand that students learning various methods can get overwhelming as parents. Always feel free to reach out to me if you are struggling to help your child learn at home. I am more than willing to send home videos or explanations for the ways I am teaching.

As mentioned above, grade books for Math will be based on standards rather than assignments. When looking at PowerSchool, you will see assignments, tests, and scores, but the overall grade will be based on the proficiency of each standard, not the average grade of each assignment.

Reading and Writing:

In reading, students will focus on a different unit every four weeks and a buffer week after for remediation. These units will connect reading and writing. They will study genres of reading and practice creating the same genres in writing. With that being said, students will publish a writing piece every four weeks.

In small groups, students will focus on bettering their individual skills as readers at their own level. Whether above or below level, every student will grow this year. I will work with students during read to self time as well. One day each week, students will discuss their read to self choices with other students at a similar level. My goal in reading is to make kids love reading. I will have them talk a lot about reading to encourage others with similar interests. What better way to influence students than to use their peers and get excited about books!

As mentioned above, grade books for Reading and Writing will be based on standards rather than assignments. When looking at PowerSchool, you will see assignments, tests, and scores, but the overall grade will be based on the proficiency of each standard, not the average grade of each assignment.

Spelling and Vocabulary:

In spelling, I use Words Their Way which is a program based on spelling levels and vowel patterns. I will have various spelling lists each week at different levels. Students will have the opportunity to move up and down levels as I see fit based on their skills. Spelling is as individualized as reading. At the end of the year, all students will be tested on the required vowel patterns according to the 4th Grade standards.

In vocabulary, students will focus on five words each week based on prefixes, suffixes, and Greek/Latin roots. We will work hard to apply the words. Students memorizing definitions does not help them use the words and therefore, we will work hard to know how to use our vocabulary words each week.

Students will be tested on spelling and vocabulary each Friday. These grades will be based on averages of test scores.

Science:

Our main focus in Science is to build the standards around SLED (Science Learning with Engineering Design). Students will be using hands-on exploration to learn about the various topics. The students will work together to solve real-world problems pertaining to the content, so they can see the standards come to life. Science grades will be based on projects and tests.

Each day, we will complete "Daily Science." Each week is focused around a high interest question based on our standards. Students will practice finding answers in text, charts, and diagrams.

Riley and Jaya use Punnett squares to create a monster!

Riley and Jaya use Punnett squares to make a monster.

Jenah, Diego, Jeneka, Kaleb, and Shawn used real materials to create a tee-pee.

Social Studies:

In Social Studies this year, we will be focusing on Indiana history. Students will do many hands-on projects that bring history to life. We will learn about IN's government, regions, and Native Americans. Social Studies grades will be based on worksheets, projects, and tests.

We will do daily social studies work during reading to learn all about IN and get familiar with all aspects of our state.

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