Three weeks down, 33 to go. My SBG (Standards Based Grading - see first post) journey in Advanced Algebra, Geometry, and Statisitcs is enlightening, informative, and exhausting (but worth it). The first quiz in all my classes showed me what skills the kids learned (and did not) in each class. This helped direct instruction (review and new stuff). A big and important piece of information that usually takes several weeks to discover is which students are getting it quickly and which students need more time. Also, after the 2nd quiz, I identified the kids who probably belong in a lower level class. Identifying these students early is very important. I can make the recommendation and ask them to meet with their Counselor.
There is a learning curve (for both me and the kids). Students get a 2nd chance to improve a skill score on the next quiz. But if they choose to work out a previous learning skill on the quiz , and they do worse than before, they get that new score. However, they can come in on their own time to retake that skill(s). Some students that earned a lower score on a skill, are commenting "Oh no, I thought I knew it." They are disappointed with themselves. When I remind them they can come in to try a third time, they feel better about it (even if they never come in). I have reminded the classes several times to make sure you know the material before you try to work out a past skill - maybe I should make a poster.
So far, it is going great. I have to keep up in Stats with writing the skills quizzes, and with Geometry (I am writing the learning targets (skills), as I go along with the quizzes). I wish I could get more teachers interested. I really need the help. Maybe next year. :)
