PS/IS 686 | Brooklyn, NY

Grade 4/5 Math: School Loop and Grading Policy

September 28, 2017

Dear Families,

As you know, School Loop is up and running.  Hooray!  As you also know, we’ve been in school for almost a month.  Therefore, the students have been acquiring grades which have to be entered.  I will do my best to enter back grades as quickly as possible for the 4th and 5th graders.

Also, for those of you new to School Loop, a clearer picture of your child’s performance emerges as more grades are entered.  There may be more fluctuations early on since there is less data contributing to the overall grade.  If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.

I am pasting a copy of the grading policy which is also on the syllabus, so you can see how different areas weigh in the math grade:

 

Grade 4/5 Grading Policy

Students will be assessed throughout the year on classwork, quizzes, homework, and their use of math practices, as stated in the Common Core Standards.  Students are also expected to participate in class and partner discussions.

Category %
Quizzes, Tests, and Projects 40
Class Work and Posters 30
Class Preparation, Engagement, and Collaboration 20
Homework 10

What Your Grade Means

Levels of Proficiency %
Exceeds 90-100
Meets 80-89
Approaches 65-79
Developing <65

Students and parents often ask what is included in Participation, Collaboration, and Engagement.  Below is a rubric that I use when assessing this.  It will also be shared with the students:

Participation, Collaboration, and Engagement Rubric

Expectations:

  • Actively participates in class discussions
  • Listens attentively when others are speaking
  • Remains on task when working independently or with a partner
  • Collaborates in a partnership by contributing ideas and being open to others’ ideas
  • Is where he/she need to be (ie: on the rug, at his/her table, with his/her partner
  • Is on time and prepared for class

 

Grade Behaviors
10 Exceeding Grade Level Expectations
  • Routinely participates actively and thoughtfully in class discussions
  • LIstens attentively when others are speaking
  • Remains on task when working independently or with a partner
  • Collaborates in a partnership by contributing ideas and being open to others’ ideas
  • Is where he/she need to be (ie: on the rug, at his/her table, with his/her partner
  • Is on time and prepared for class
9 Exceeding Grade Level
  • Often participates thoughtfully in class discussions
  • LIstens attentively when others are speaking
  • Remains on task when working independently or with a partner
  • Collaborates in a partnership by contributing ideas and being open to others’ ideas
  • Is where he/she need to be (ie: on the rug, at his/her table, with his/her partner
  • Is on time and prepared for class
8 Meeting Grade Level Expectations
  • Sometimes participates thoughtfully in class discussions
  • LIstens attentively when others are speaking
  • Usually remains on task when working independently or with a partner, but may need a reminder or two
  • Usually collaborates in a partnership by contributing ideas and being open to others’ ideas
  • Is usually where he/she need to be (ie: on the rug, at his/her table, with his/her partner
  • Is on time and prepared for class
7 Approaching Grade Level Expectations
  • Participates sporadically in class discussions
  • Needs multiple reminders to listen attentively when others are speaking
  • Needs multiple reminders to remain on task
  • When working in a partnership, is often off task and having alternate conversations
  • Needs multiple reminders to be where expected (ie: on the rug, at his/her table, with his/her partner
  • Is not regularly prepared and/or on time for class
6 and below Below Grade Level Expectations
  • Rarely participates in class discussions
  • Has difficulty remaining on task, even with reminders
  • Is often in a different location than expected
  • Is often off task when working in a partnership
  • Makes little to no contribution to group/partnership in the form of sharing ideas

 

Have a wonderful day!