Townley-Earth Science
Proficiency Grading Component
To succeed in earth science, students must demonstrate proficiency in the
learning targets for each unit before they move on to the next unit. This
means that students must demonstrate that they understand a topic and can
complete problems based on the learning targets for each unit. Students will
be using the skills they learn to build their knowledge throughout the course.
If a student is not proficient at our intial learning targets, he/she will fall
behind quickly. Using proficiency grading is an effective method to encourage,
support, and ensure the success of my students in this course. It also
encourages students to take responsibility for their work. Students earn their
grade based on the learning targets they complete. It does not affect how I
teach the course, only the way grading and assessment is computed. I will
continue to give cumulative tests and weekly quizzes in addition to projects to
complete the student’s grade.
90% of a student’s grade for each unit will come from demonstrating proficiency
on learning targets. 10% of the grade will come from choosing to complete high
proficiency learning targets. High proficiency learning targets challenge the
student to explore topics further. They can choose to complete these or not,
however they will not receive the additional 10% if they choose not to complete
them or cannot demonstrate proficiency. This means the grade for the unit will
be a maximum of 90 (B). The definition of a grade of “A” is that a student’s
performance is “well above average”, so students may choose to complete these
additional targets to earn an A for a unit.
Below is are some questions that are frequently asked of me about this grading
system:
Where do I find the learning targets?
The students will record the learning targets each day in class.
They can also be found on-line on my website within the powerpoints
for each unit. The high proficiency targets are listed on their own
tab for each course.
How do I earn points for my learning targets?
In order to receive credit you must provide evidence that you have
met each learning target.
What Evidence?
You can an assignment from class or create something on your own,
How do I know I have met the target?
When you have provided evidence, I will check you off in my
gradebook and you will record it on your learning target log.
How will you calculate my grade?
Your grade will still be total points.
It will work like this:
100 points for targets each unit 90 points for learning targets and
10 points for high proficiency targets
20 points for quiz
100 points for cumulative tests
Student signature:
Parent signature:
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