A Word About Mini-Quizzes
As you know, we have had several mini-quizzes across several subject areas. These quizzes are based upon the content and language objectives of each lesson, each day. Typically, but not always, a class will have 2-3 mini-quizzes per week, per subject. Mini-quizzes serve one main purpose~to tell students and teachers who is paying attention and taking good notes, and who needs to concentrate more during the lessons. Often times, students will be told ahead of time what their mini-quiz will be covering, so that they can be prepared to concentrate on the day’s topic. Occasionally, students are even allowed to use their notes from the day.
In science, Mr. Wahl and I have devised a system to let you know exactly what the mini-quizzes cover. We have printed out the day’s content and language objectives on labels, and put how many possible points each quiz is worth. This way, you can discuss with your child the day’s science lesson. Mini-quizzes are usually worth about 5 or 6 points each, and they always need to be corrected, signed and returned, so that we know parents are seeing them.
While mini-quiz scores are used in figuring out the final report card grade for each cardmarking, each individual grade counts very minimally in the grand scheme of things. All mini-quiz scores are averaged, and the average counts as one test grade. So a few failed mini-quizzes will most likely not adversely affect a student’s grade. The main purpose of mini-quizzes is to focus students on the goals and objectives for each lesson. It gives them a purpose for listening, focusing and understanding.
If you notice that your child is not doing well on his/her mini-quizzes, I urge you to have a conversation about his/her study habits, note-taking and participation in class discussions. All students are always encouraged to take notes in every subject. Whenever there is an experiment, video, project or demonstration, students are always encouraged to take notes. These notes are what the students will have to study from, especially during hands-on experiments and video clips.
I hope this helps explain our mini-quizzes, and I hope it answers any questions you may have. If not, or please email me at gwizdza@dearbornschools.org, or leave me a voicemail at 827-7580. Thank you for your continued support!