Group items tagged

This is an article that addresses problems with traditional, single grading techniques-especially for students with "diverse learning needs;" suggesting methods of alternative grading such as IEP-Based grading, portfolio grading and self-comparison grading. It also speaks to the issue of misunderstanding the true purpose of grades (as ways to demonstrate progress, show competency in a subject area, etc.).

The purpose of this study was to determine what the most commons grading practices were and to find out if they met with standards of grading students, especially with disabilities. It reviews those grading techniques and patterns and then lays out the results of their study and what they think worked best.

An assessment expert answers questions from scholastic teacher about the difference between grading and assessment. She also describes the benefits of assessment over letter grades for teachers, students, and parents.

A journal article discussing what praiseworthy grading is, how it works, student and teacher responses to the technique and the overall results of the method.

A collection of YA Literature definitions from various professional sources.

This article summarizes the results from 14 research fields that looked at the relationship between classroom grading and student outcomes, especially involving learning strategies, motivation and achievement. The individual results are analyzed and used to discuss the most effective ways of evaluating student learning.

A journal article explaining why there is a need for change in the way students are graded, ideas for forms of alternative assessment and what it would look like, and how it contributes to children's learning.

This journal article talks about how auto graders grade similarly to human graders as well as eliminate the teachers need to teach the errors. Is that really a good thing?

This website contains all the information that is provided for a no-cost public school funded system where families can have curriculum appropriate materials ("even bags of rocks and dirt") delivered to their front door and complete graded Kindergarten through the 12th grade virtually from home. They claim these virtual students will spend about 20-25% of their time working on the computer, while high school students in this program can plan to spend about three hours each day on the computer. This site offers free examples of lesson plans, and lots of information on how this system works.

Search Criteria: Google: virtual school Washington state (I started with virtual school and Google provided me the rest)

This source breaks down some of the main pros and cons regarding the issue of promoting tablets in the classroom for grades K-12. Major points are addressed such as the health controversy, financial adjustments, distractibility, etc. Interesting statistics about number of e-books purchased and usage is presented, along with statistics about expenses of the electronic book options. I found this source by Googleing, "digital books vs textbooks, pros and cons".

This article gives successful and engaging software programs and activities for the primary grades

A great website for math resources for primary grades!

A blog designated to teaching with technology in primary grades. Great to see practical use of technology

easy to read handout about google earth in the classroom. tells you what it is and why to use it. gives instructional ideas for grade levels.

This article is one of many on the Apple site that give real stories about elementary and all grade level teachers. This specific article highlights Amy, an elementary teacher's experience with ipads in her classroom and her tips about how to use them to cater to each child's learning needs.

description of the "Writing Roadmap" program in which students write essays online and the program "grades" their writing

An article about the benefits of games in the classroom. Provides statistics and examples on how effective they are. Search Criteria-Bing: Learning through games research