Grading Tips

I learned a lot through Alan's session on grading and assessment.  One thing that stuck out to me was how he said he lets kids specialize, depending on staff sizes.  I have a very large staff, and having each student do a little bit of everything can be messy and chaotic.  I think I will try and let kids specialize and do the things that they already like to do.  I saw last year that I had plenty of kids who were good at reporting, good at writing, or great with a camera.  I think our paper would be so much stronger if I let the kids play to their strengths.

I do have to make sure that I let the kids practice each element though, as I feel it is important for them to at least know how to do a little of everything.  We have been hearing all throughout our sessions from the experts that this is important for their future careers.  However, that doesn't mean that I have to force them to do everything, every time.

I look forward to all of the rubrics people are willing to share.  I tried several times but each rubric I created fell short in huge ways.  I definitely need help in this department.

Alan Weintraut explains how having your students bring in their parents' job evaluations can be a useful
 tool for assessment in your classroom.

Lauren Ramcharan Gutierrez

Corbett Jr. High School

San Antonio, Texas