NWEA Language Arts Test:
This week we will be using most of our class time to complete the NWEA test in Language Arts. this test is used to assess students’ understanding of concepts taught in Language Arts. We are giving the test in Global Studies because the Language Arts department has TWO tests to give at this time each year. So, we help out by administering the test in the Social Studies classrooms. Also, we use much of the information we learn about the students from them taking these two tests to help us direct our lessons for the year.
Map Quiz 1: The World
Students have been studying for our first map quiz covering the continents and oceans. Please encourage your son/daughter to play the review games to practice (links to these games can be found at the bottom of the practice assignment posted to Google Classroom). The Actual quiz will be Monday 9/24 for A-day and Tuesday 9/25 for B-day.
Standards Based Grading:
This week I will be entering grades into the gradebook for the first time. As you check Parent Connect (please get in the habit of checking every week or so) please notice that the grading system used in Social Studies classes at Smith this year is slightly different than in other classes. This year we are piloting Standards Based Grading within all Social Studies Classrooms at Smith Middle School. There are two main differences you will notice right away.
First, the grades are entered as 1,2,3, or 4 in the gradebook on Student/Parent Connect. This is used to reflect the students’ level of mastery of the topic taught in class. Scoring a 4 on an assignment would show mastery level understanding and would be the equivalent of an A. Whereas the other numbers would show that there is still room for improvement.
Second, the summative scores (tests and some projects) account for 90% of the grade. This is a different scale than other classes and can have a different affect on grades.
If you did not check out the information about standards based grading in last week’s post, please check the link here to read more: Standard Based Grading.
As always, If you have any questions or concerns, please send me an email.
trericm@dearbornschools.org
-Mr. Trerice
