My Philosophy about Proficiency-Based Grading
My job is to help students learn all of the 8th grade Common Core State Standards by the end of the school year. My goal as a teacher is to teach those Standards in a way that students not only "get it", but that they have a concrete understanding of "why" it works. My belief is that students should be aware and in control of their progress towards proficiency of these standards and know exactly how to move towards mastery. In order for students to have this awareness, their academic grades will be reported solely on academic performance without any behavioral influences. Although behavior and work habits are important life skills and are stressed in my classroom, it is important that they do not "muddy" student grades.
Since proficiency of each standard is my goal for every student, it only makes sense that students have multiple opportunities to prove their proficiency. Retakes are encouraged after discussing where students currently are on the proficiency continuum and realizing what they need to do to progress. Retakes are only beneficial if students have taken a second look at the material, completed the practice, and have asked questions about the skills they are currently confused about. Since meeting the standard is only a step on the continuum and mastery is most students' ultimate goal, students who are currently meeting may retake quizzes until mastery is earned.
Since proficiency of each standard is my goal for every student, it only makes sense that students have multiple opportunities to prove their proficiency. Retakes are encouraged after discussing where students currently are on the proficiency continuum and realizing what they need to do to progress. Retakes are only beneficial if students have taken a second look at the material, completed the practice, and have asked questions about the skills they are currently confused about. Since meeting the standard is only a step on the continuum and mastery is most students' ultimate goal, students who are currently meeting may retake quizzes until mastery is earned.