As the second semester gets underway, we would like to share an improvement to our measure of student knowledge and communication of overall student achievement in math class.
Since 2018, math classes at the Summit have been using a standards-based approach to grading. This approach encourages students to focus on their level of understanding and learning. It is outlined in the syllabus and below:
4 Exceeds expectations of learning target.
3* Demonstrates learning target.
2 Is in progress of learning target.
1 Is not yet making progress or is making minimal progress toward learning target.
(*A score of 3 demonstrates understanding of the learning objective and the achievement goal for each student. A score above 3 represents understanding beyond expectations.)
When the Upper School began to use Google Classroom, the desire was for teachers, students, and parents to have a communication tool for classwork and grades. With its increased use, we have come to realize that it is not ideal in calculating overall grades for a class using a standards-based system, because it uses a percentage-based calculation. For that reason, this feature (overall grade) will be turned off for all Summit upper school math classes. Other subject areas will not be making any changes at this time.
Google Classroom will still be used to provide students with materials, as a communication tool, and to report scores for individual assignments/assessments in math class. To have a real-time letter grade calculation, students will be provided with a digital document on which they will record their individual scores as they are given during class time. Upon recording scores, a current letter grade will be determined automatically in this document. In order for parents to view their student’s letter grade, they will need to have the student share this information with them.
In determining a student’s letter grade, the average of the scores on assignments/assessments will be calculated. Then, the following conversion scale will be applied:
4.00-3.00 = A 2.99-2.50 = B 2.49-2.00 = C 1.99-1.00 = D Below 1.00 = F
[Marzano, R.J. (2010). Formative assessment & standards-based grading. Bloomington, IN: Marzano Research Laboratory.]
We hope this change will allow for more clarity in students’ understanding of their knowledge and skills in math, as well as how that translates to a letter grade. As always, you are welcome to email Mrs. Cook or Mrs. Eckstein at any time with questions or for more detailed information. We can also refer you to further information about standards-based grading.
