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| Ella presenting her Edible Book Project |
Thank you who were able to attend conferences these past weeks. These were great conversations, and excellent feedback for us as teachers. Thank-you to the students who also attended and contributed to their conference.
One question that has surfaced post conference is about proficiencies and Jumprope. In this newsletter, we will do our best to explain our understanding of both systems.
Proficiencies and Jumprope
Proficiency Based Learning is different from traditional grading. Proficiencies are based on growth, not on achieving a grade per an assignment. They encourage teachers to individualize instruction, and to help students find their passions as they go through their schooling.
We, as teachers, have a certain number of proficiencies to direct our instruction throughout the fifth and sixth grade year. When we assess students, it is no longer what the student can "get" for finishing an assignment by following all of the directions, it is developing a skill. We score proficiencies on learning scales which are similar to rubrics, except that they are more of a continuum that shows how a student can progress throughout the school year.
This can be confusing when looking at a program like Jumprope.
When you look at scores on Jumprope, try not to relate them to grades. A '1' is really what it is, beginning on that scale. Most students are going to score a 1 or a 2 on various assignments, as teaching skills such as problem solving, or writing a story cannot be taught in one or two class periods. These are taught over the course of a year. Students receive learning scales with each of their assignments, and when they are scored, these learning scales are sent back to the student with explanation. If you would like to help your student improve, and your student has a score of "1," it would be most beneficial for you to look at the "2" on the rubric, and the comments, and to see what they can do to help themselves improve.
As the year progresses, students scores should also progress. By February, your student should be progressing from whatever scores they once had. If they had a 1, they should progress to a 2. If they had a 2, they should progress to a 3. It is a scale, and they should be moving forward.
The goal of proficiencies is to for students to be more in charge of their learning. The questions should move from "how can I get an A?" to "It looks like I need to use different strategies when I solve problems," or "I need work on organization in my writing." These goals come from the learning scales we provide.
The transition to proficiencies is not easy for us who grew up on grades. Let us keep the conversation going, so we can make it as clear as we can for students, teachers, and parents.
Writing Warriors:
Writing Warriors is based on proficiencies and student choice. Writing is a creative process where students should have the freedom to explore their interests and imagination. Workshop and Writing Warriors gives structure for students to explore their own creativity. Workshop is called workshop because we are building on what we know about the writing process. We are creating our own pieces, and are really learning how to improve them. Students receive individualized and small group lessons based on their needs, be it paragraphs or transitions, or descriptive language. Students also sit and share their pieces for even more individualized feedback.
Now, writing does have its own structure. In middle school, students will need to write a narrative, an information piece, and an argument piece. During Integrated Inquiry, they will have assignments where they will not have the freedom to choose their topic as much as during Workshop.
When you look at Jumprope for narratives or information writing, do not be shocked to see a "1." Actually, a 1 is pretty good this time of year. This means that your student has written a piece, has had some feedback, and has passed the proficiency level of 1 in that type of writing, with their own topic, and their own research. They have received a rubric which shows all the levels. They will have time to move to level 2, and then 3. In workshop, once they reach a level 3, they will have had a lot of time to practice their writing in that genre. They will then have practice in on demand writing. To pass level 3, they will have an on demand writing assignment, where they have to have all the elements for a level 3 piece, without any feedback. They will know narratives, information, and argument so well, they will be able to write about just about anything! That is the goal :)
For writing, students do not need to reach a level 3 until the end of sixth grade, according to the district rubrics. If your student is at a 1, as almost all students are, then they are on their way. Congratulate them for finishing a piece, and look to see those scores improve over the next few months.
If your student does not have any scores for narratives or information, you might ask them about what they are doing during writing workshop. Please know that if your student is behind, I will contact you.
For math scores: Students progress on specific math skills can be found under "Problem Solving" underneath "Attend to Precision". Currently, only scores on whole number multiplication have been reported. Students have received lessons around whole number multiplication and division, as well as volume (they have strategies for these). During workshops, students revisit these topics independently to demonstrate their understanding at their own pace. "Attend to Precision" will be updated regularly to show progress.
At this point in the year, students should be at a 2 or 3 for multiplication with the goal of getting to a 3 or 4 by the end of next trimester.
Scholastic Book Order
Scholastic Book order forms are here, due date is Friday, Novermber 10th. There is a Holiday Gift Books order form and an Arrow order form. Students see Mrs. LaRock if you would like one.
