Matt Simpson

A6: Great schools have a clear mission and process (based on best practices) to produce graduates prepared for the “next level” and teachers who buy-in to that process. #dsgrading

A5: These types of soft skills should be encouraged but not reflected in grades that measure understanding of concepts. They could be reflected as a separate grade however. #dsgrading

A4: Incorporating as many formative assessments with timely feedback during class time and encouraging diverse methods to demonstrate learning can help even the playing field. Increased availability outside of class as well. #dsgrading

A3: Grades can be effective feedback if they clearly communicate Ss current level of mastery of a learning target on a scale that is understood by both T and Ss. #dsgrading

A2: Offering an alternate time to take the major assessment with a required tutorial/meeting with T beforehand could benefit Ss who feel underprepared or distracted. #dsgrading

A1: Yes. Reflection, correction, and practice are all good prerequisites for retesting. #dsgrading

Matt Simpson, DSHS, PreAP Chemistry teacher #dsgrading

A6: Currently outliers but more Ts are willing to try new approaches. They want it demonstrated before jumping in. #dsgrading

@adaige @Simpchem I'm not sure. Some Ss just naturally don't need to exert as much effort to achieve mastery #dsgrading

@Simpchem Do you think it would help to have a separate way to "grade" or show effort on a Ss' report card? #DSGrading

A5: If taken for a grade then no. Some students have less time to complete it. If ungraded it's an equal chance to practice. #dsgrading

@mdashack It doesn’t affect their average so the emphasis is on their learning and not about the grade #dsgrading

@Simpchem does an incomplete affect their average?

A3: I prefer to mark an assignment as incomplete rather than give a zero. Students often accept zeros if they can still pass. #dsgrading

A1: Excited to reflect on our grading policy and adopt any new ideas that help both our teachers and students achieve their goals #dsgrading

Matt Simpson, DSHS, PreAP Chemistry #dsgrading