EDUC 510 Module 4 Blog

 1. What do you envision "grading" looking like in your classroom?

I envision my grading in my future classroom to be standards based but also have a little bit of performance grading tied in. I love the idea of being able to grade multiple components. Its extremely important to have our students graded on the core standards since that is the foundation of our education, however its also important for students and parents to know how their child is performing and behaving in class. As we have discussed multiple times throughout this quarter, education and school is so much more than just learning academics, there are social and behavioral skills that also taking place. Using multiple grading allows me as a teacher to look at my students holistically instead of judging them from a narrow report. It also provides great data for myself and student's future teachers. 

2.  How do you intend to report out to students and their families?

I intend to report out to my students and their families by both physical and electronic reporting. I am hoping by doing both forms of communication I can reach everyone. I know some parents never check emails or give the schools an email that is no long active and I know some parents never empty out backpacks. When doing physical reporting such as papers going home, I would like to be efficient enough where everything goes home on a constant day. For instance, every Monday, this weeks papers go out, that way parents are expecting it.  I also intend to be a present face to all my families, if they would like to come in after school to talk or create a meeting time that works for both of us, I am willing to try anything. 

3.  What big takeaways from this week stand out to you?

A huge take away for me from this week is how complicated grading is going to be. Obviously not every student is the same, so figuring out how to fairly grade everyone will be interesting. I am also curious about my future classroom. What would I do if I teach at a school that has a grading system in place that I don't agree with?

Homework was another big takeaway for me this week. I was surprised to see how low of a number homework is suppose to be for each grade! I wish my schools followed that criteria more closely! However, when discussing homework, it really solidified the lack of benefits it actually has. I honestly think going forward in my future class, I'll create more time in my lesson plans to practice more in class and bring less home. If my students are to bring anything home, its to share with their families or to be an extra resource but never required to come back to me for a grade.