Math Grading Explanation

  Dear Parents:

             The purpose of this letter is to explain how students are assessed and how the report card grade is determined.  This year, while using the 3rd Edition of Everyday Mathematics, I will assess your child’s understanding of the mathematics objectives on an ongoing basis.  I will frequently make notes of your child’s progress while observing them working on slate activities, interacting during group work or games, and completing written responses. There are Progress Checks for each unit for evaluating individual student progress as well.  I will maintain checklists to track each student’s progress toward specific grade level goals.  These records will be used to determine whether certain topics need review and whether particular students need additional help or challenge.  Due to this daily gathering of data regarding your child’s progress, a large amount of graded papers will not be sent home.  

 
            The following rubric is used to determine a student’s level of understanding:

 
4 points

Student is making adequate progress.  Student solves the problem correctly and demonstrates a sophisticated and well-articulated understanding of the concept or skill being assessed.

3 points

Student is making adequate progress.  Student solves the problem correctly with only minor errors and demonstrates a developmentally-appropriate understanding of the concept or skill being assessed. 

2 points

Student is not making adequate progress.  Student appears to understand some components of the problem and attempts to solve the problem.  Student demonstrates an understanding of the concept or skill being assessed that is marginally short of what is expected. 

1 point

Student is not making adequate progress.  Student appears to not understand the problem but makes some attempt to solve it.  Student demonstrates an understanding of the concept or skill being assessed that is significantly short of what is expected.

 

            In order to determine an overall grade for the report card, I will average the rubric grades from the data collected on the checklists.  The following conversion scale will be used to determine the grade:

Grades3-5

      3.6-4.0    A

      3.0-3.5    B

      2.5-2.9    C

      2.0-2.4    D

         0-1.9    E

 
            As a parent, you can support the assessmentprocess by communicating with me on a regular basis.  I will send home a FamilyLetter to explain the contents of each unit and Home or Study Links pages toreview and practice material learned in lessons. 

 

            Please contact me anytime if you have anyquestions.