Week 2 Blog Comments

The original blog (portion) from Melinda:

CHAPTER 3

AN “A”

This was an interesting chapter. I am a teacher working at a Montessori school. We do not give grades. Progress reports indicate “capable” and “proficient.”  Middle school students want to know what grade they are receiving on their work. Rubrics have fulfilled this purpose. Rubrics give information to the student to guide them through an assignment. When the assignment is completed the score of the rubric is equivlant to a grade.

I am amazed with the class at USC giving specific grades to only certain students. Sounds like a psychology study. I am not sure how I would feel if I was one of those students.

My interest is in the class art the New England Conservatory. What a great idea to have students write letters explaining why they deserve an “A.”

My response to Melinda:

http://melindaonmaui.blogspot.com/2012/06/week-2-reading-post-art-of-possibility.html?showComment=1339277679868#c715125999401495114

Melinda -

You are truly one of the most positive people I know. You've taken the obstacles this life has placed in front of you and hurdled them remarkably. You are certainly an inspiration to me. I think you've hit the nail on the head with the use of a rubric to fulfill the need for recognition for our work. If we know the parameters for success and have a tool to measure against, it helps our being able to reckon the outcome. I know that using a rubric will be essential for success for both students AND parents if I were to attempt eliminating a "grade" for every piece of work students complete. Definitely an investment of time to create meaningful, clear rubrics. I'd best get to work!