The Surrey School District has been changing lately with letter grades. The school board is trying to get more schools to switch over to the constructive critisism way. They are trying to make this change because they think that by taking out the traditional letter grades that it will encourage students to learn better because they have feedback they and their parents can use. Also parents will get a better understanding about what you need to focus on more in your school work.
The Surrey School District thinks that it will in a way be a "win, win" for both parents and kids. Five elementary schools have switched over in the fall and 34 more did this month. The idea is by offering more info on how their kids are doing on projects and tasks.
They are evaluating the program this summer. Then they will decide if they will make it permanent in 101 elementary schools and 19 high schools. But it seems like most people like the idea already.
I think that they should keep the letter grades the same because I think that it makes me work harder if i know im getting a bad grade, therefore im getting better.
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/surrey-school-district-extends-its-no-letter-grades-program-1.2485832
Friday, January 31, 2014
Sunday, January 26, 2014
Revised Current Events Post
Right now the surrey school district is deciding that they might take letter grades out of 39 elementary schools. Lots of kids are very excited to get their first letter grade in elementary school, and now they are going to take out letter grades and instead give more constructive feedback on how the kids are doing. If they take out the letter grades, some kids may not get a chance to receive a report card with letter grades on it because eventually they will take letter grades out of high school too. All kids should be able to receive a report card with a letter grade on it. It isn't fair that some kids get letter grades and the others don't.
Some people really enjoy the letter grade system because it gave you a direct response to how you are doing in school. For example if you opened your report card and it said A, then you know you did well. When someone was to give some constructive feedback, you would have to read the whole paragraph to see if you were doing good or bad. Some teachers said that they liked the letter grade system better because if they were to give every student a paragraph on how they are doing in every single subject, it would take too long. They said the letter grade system was more efficient.
Other people wanted to change the letter grade system to constructive feedback because the teacher would be able to tell each student what they could do to improve their grades. Parents felt that they would be able to help their children more if they knew exactly what they were doing wrong. They said that there was nothing wrong with the letter grade system but they thought that the constructive feedback method was better. Some teachers said that kids would get smarter and get better grades by using this system. The teachers also said parents would know more about what their kids were doing in school and how they could improve.
A few people were asked on their thoughts and opinions on changing the system. One of them said "I think that the letter grade system is better and that the school board shouldn't change the system because if I saw that I was doing bad by seeing an F on my report card, it would motivate me to do better and try harder in school." The other person said "In my opinion the letter grade system was better because if you were at a B and were almost at an A then you would know but if you were using the constructive feedback system you wouldn't know because there is no letter grades. As you can see their is many different opinions about this. Some people like the new system, some people liked the old system more. But it doesn't really matter what the people of our society think because it isn't their choice.
In my opinion, the letter grade system is better because you know right away if you are doing bad or good and also because it would be too hard for a teacher to give each student a paragraph on how they are doing for every subject would take too long. I think that the school board should still give out letter grades and maybe give one or two sentences on what the student should work on. This way you can have both and everyone would be happy. If they are going to change the system they should wait until next year. If you would like to read more about this here is a few links- http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/surrey-school-district-extends-its-no-letter-grades-program-1.2485832
Saturday, January 25, 2014
Current Events Revised Post
Surrey Schools District Extends its 'No Letter Grades' Program
So far in Surrey Schools, they have changed program where there are no letter grade and only feedback. They changed the program because most of the children parents want better feedback and want it in a timely manner. There are 39 elementary schools in Surrey that are undergoing a pilot program in which letter grades are replaced with in-depth feedback on a student's strengths and weakness, so that their parents can help them with the subject they are struggling with.
A lot of schools have changed to the pilot program, 5 elementary schools had made the switch in the fall and 34 elementary school are joining their ranks this month. The idea of doing this program is to give more information on how the students are doing well on their projects and their tasks. The schools can focus less on the superficial "A, B or C" evaluation, so that both students and parents will have a better understanding of where they're at.
Antonio Vendramin, the principal of George Vanier Elementary in Surrey said that "he appreciates that letter grades make it easy for the parents to track their children's progress", but they think that students and parents interact over education. They can also track their kids strengths and weakness so that they can give them more help and can get a more understanding of what their doing. Mr. Vendramin thinks that it kind of stop the conversation about learning and focusing more on what grades your children got.
In my opinion, I think that both system are good because it tells us what we are getting and feedback that we need to improve. So when I see a bad grade on my report card, I think to my self and say how do I improve so I can get better. If I see feedback instead of grades, I can do what ever I have to do to get better and prove that I can do it.
This is the article that I'm doing for my Current Events (This is where I got all my reference):
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/surrey-school-district-extends-its-no-letter-grades-program-1.2485832
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/surrey-school-district-extends-its-no-letter-grades-program-1.2485832
Friday, January 24, 2014
Report Cards Revised Post
No Letter Grades?
Recently in Surrey schools, the school system has gotten rid of the letter grade system meaning that instead of giving A's or B 's, they offer more detailed information on how the student did in projects and other tasks. With this new method, students can discuss with parents where they can show improvement. There have been many mixed reactions; some parents like the new format while others strongly dislike it.
First, people didn't like the new idea because they thought the grade system was something that actually "inspired" kids to get better grades. Some felt that when they saw a low letter grade on their report card, it pushed them to improve their mark. Others argue that there was nothing wrong with the letter grade system in the first place. With a F or D in a certain subject, parents can easily see their child isn't doing too well in that subject already without the need of extra explanations.
The people who like the new system argue back that in elementary school, we got "Needs work" or "Outstanding" instead of an A or C+ so why can't we continue that into high school. They felt that although the letter system had nothing wrong with it, adding extra comments stating where the child needs improvement also isn't a bad thing. It shows students constructive criticism to let them improve for the best.
In my opinion, there should just be both grading systems and feedback system. Without getting graded on our performance in school, it's just like getting a medal for participating instead of winning first or second place. Seeing a bad grade on my report card does make people want to get better marks, yet the feedback system can help peers improve on weak points to get better grades. The feedback system is good because instead of focusing on just grades, students can get criticism to improve my work. Overall, both of the systems are good and we should have both on our report cards.
Click here to see the original article on this issue. All my references were the comments inside that article.
Monday, January 13, 2014
Current Events Post
The Surrey School District has been changing lately with letter grades. They are trying to get more schools to switch to the constructive criticism way. They are trying to make this change because they think that by taking out the traditional letter grades that it will encourage students to learn better because they have feedback they can use. Also their parents will be able to understand what they need to work on more clearly.
The Surrey School District think that it will in a way be a "win, win" for both parents and kids. Five elementary schools made the switch in the fall and 34 more did this month. The idea is by offering more info on how their kids are doing on projects and tasks, and focusing less on A,B,C. Because they think both parents and kids will better understand this way.
They are evaluating the program this summer. Then they will decide if they will make it permanent in 101 elementary school and 19 high schools. But it seems like most people like this idea.
I think that they should keep the letter grade system because I know lots of people who are excited to see what grades they got. It also would make me work harder than just getting a few comments about my work.
The Surrey School District think that it will in a way be a "win, win" for both parents and kids. Five elementary schools made the switch in the fall and 34 more did this month. The idea is by offering more info on how their kids are doing on projects and tasks, and focusing less on A,B,C. Because they think both parents and kids will better understand this way.
They are evaluating the program this summer. Then they will decide if they will make it permanent in 101 elementary school and 19 high schools. But it seems like most people like this idea.
I think that they should keep the letter grade system because I know lots of people who are excited to see what grades they got. It also would make me work harder than just getting a few comments about my work.
Thursday, January 9, 2014
Current Events
Surrey Schools District Extends its 'No Letter Grades' Program
So far in Surrey Schools, they have changed program where there's no letter grade and only feedback. They changed the program because most of the children parents want better feedback and want it in a timely manner. There are 39 elementary schools in Surrey that are undergoing a pilot program in which letter grades are replaced with in-depth feedback on a student's strengths and weakness, so that their parents can help them with the subject they are struggling with.
A lot of schools have changed to the pilot program, 5 elementary schools had made the switch in the fall and 34 elementary school are joining their ranks this month. The idea of doing this program is to give more information on how the students are doing well on their projects and their tasks. The schools can focus less on the superficial "A, B or C" evaluation, so that both students and parents will have a better understanding of where their at.
Antonio Vendramin, the principal of George Vanier Elementary in Surrey said that he appreciates that letter grades make it easy for the parents to track their children's progress, but they think that students and parents interact over education. They can also track their kids strengths and weakness so that they can give them more help and so that they can get a more understanding of what their doing. Mr. Vendramin thinks that it kind of stop the conversation about learning and focusing more on what grades your children got.
In my opinion, I think that both system are good because it tells us what we are getting and feedback that we need to improve. So when I see a bad grade on my report card, I think to my self and say how do I improve so I can get better. If I see feedback instead of grades, I can do what ever I have to do to get better and prove that I can do it.
This is the article that I'm doing for my Current Events:
Current Events revised post
Has The Surrey School District decided different about letter grades and report cards? Surrey has recently decided to bring a new program to the schools of Surrey. Over 34 schools have joined the program but they are expecting more, the program is called constructive feedback. This new program involves getting rid of letter grades and introducing a new system that is one that tells the children and their parents on how their doing and a better understanding of where there at.
The Principal of George Vanier Elementary in Surrey thinks that this new program is a hit. He believes that the new system helps the children and the parents better understand their strengths, weaknesses, and what they need help on. Instead of having A, B or C, Mr. Antonia Vendramin thinks that more information would be much more sufficient. Although most parents are on board with the A, B and C method other parents may be interested in the new program. Antonio believes that if we can deliver then this new program will be a win-win for the parents and the children.
Overall most people will be on board with this agreement. Although some might say different, most say let’s do it. Knowing this isn’t quite accurate; but from the looks of it the program it seems well developed and the parents will enjoy the fact that they will know more information on how well their child is doing in school.
In my opinion as a student I prefer letter grades but being able to recognize my weaknesses and strengths would be good for my learning. The constructive feedback system is good because it will help the parents see what they are good at and what they need help on. Most parents are ok with the letter grades so I think it would be an absurd idea to change it. Maybe throwing in a few pointers on what they are good at and need help on would be a good idea.
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/surrey-school-district-extends-its-no-letter-grades-program-1.2485832
The Principal of George Vanier Elementary in Surrey thinks that this new program is a hit. He believes that the new system helps the children and the parents better understand their strengths, weaknesses, and what they need help on. Instead of having A, B or C, Mr. Antonia Vendramin thinks that more information would be much more sufficient. Although most parents are on board with the A, B and C method other parents may be interested in the new program. Antonio believes that if we can deliver then this new program will be a win-win for the parents and the children.
Overall most people will be on board with this agreement. Although some might say different, most say let’s do it. Knowing this isn’t quite accurate; but from the looks of it the program it seems well developed and the parents will enjoy the fact that they will know more information on how well their child is doing in school.
In my opinion as a student I prefer letter grades but being able to recognize my weaknesses and strengths would be good for my learning. The constructive feedback system is good because it will help the parents see what they are good at and what they need help on. Most parents are ok with the letter grades so I think it would be an absurd idea to change it. Maybe throwing in a few pointers on what they are good at and need help on would be a good idea.
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/surrey-school-district-extends-its-no-letter-grades-program-1.2485832
Report cards changing in surrey
Right now the surrey school district is deciding that they might take letter grades out of 39 elementary schools. Lots of kids are very excited to get their first letter grade in elementary school, and now they are going to take out letter grades and instead give more constructive feedback on how the kids are doing. If they take out the letter grades, some kids may not get a chance to receive a report card with letter grades on it because eventually they will take letter grades out of high school too. All kids should be able to receive a report card with a letter grade on it. It isn't fair that some kids get letter grades and the others don't.
Some people really enjoy the letter grade system because it gave you a direct response to how you are doing in school. For example if you opened your report card and it said A, then you know you did well. When someone was to give some constructive feedback, you would have to read the whole paragraph to see if you were doing good or bad. Some teachers said that they liked the letter grade system better because if they were to give every student a paragraph on how they are doing in every single subject, it would take too long. They said the letter grade system was more efficient.
Other people wanted to change the letter grade system to constructive feedback because the teacher would be able to tell each student what they could do to improve their grades. Parents felt that they would be able to help their children more if they knew exactly what they were doing wrong. They said that there was nothing wrong with the letter grade system but they thought that the constructive feedback method was better. Some teachers said that kids would get smarter and get better grades by using this system. The teachers also said parents would know more about what their kids were doing in school and how they could improve.
A few people were asked on their thoughts and opinions on changing the system. One of them said "I think that the letter grade system is better and that the school board shouldn't change the system because if I saw that I was doing bad by seeing an F on my report card, it would motivate me to do better and try harder in school." The other person said "In my opinion the letter grade system was better because if you were at a B and were almost at an A then you would know but if you were using the constructive feedback system you wouldn't know because there is no letter grades. As you can see their is many different opinions about this. Some people like the new system, some people liked the old system more. But it doesn't really matter what the people of our society think because it isn't their choice.
In my opinion, the letter grade system is better because you know right away if you are doing bad or good and also because it would be too hard for a teacher to give each student a paragraph on how they are doing for every subject would take too long. I think that the school board should still give out letter grades and maybe give one or two sentences on what the student should work on. This way you can have both and everyone would be happy. If they are going to change the system they should wait until next year. If you would like to read more about this here is a link for the article- http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/surrey-school-district-extends-its-no-letter-grades-program-1.2485832
Wednesday, January 8, 2014
Current Events Blogging
No Letter Grades?
Recently in
Surrey schools, the school system has gotten rid of the letter grade system
meaning that instead of giving A's or B 's, they offer more detailed
information on how the student did in projects and other tasks. With this new
method, students can discuss with parents where they can show improvement.
There have been many mixed reactions; some parents like the new format while
others strongly dislike it.
First, people
didn't like the new idea because they thought the grade system was something that
actually "inspired" kids to get better grades. Some felt that when
they saw a low letter grade on their report card, it pushed them to improve
their mark. Others argue that there was nothing wrong with the letter grade
system in the first place. With a F or D in a certain subject, parents can
easily see their child isn't doing too well in that subject already without the
need of extra explanations.
The people who like
the new system argue back that in elementary school, we got "Needs
work" or "Outstanding" instead of an A or C+ so why can't we
continue that into high school. They felt that although the letter system had
nothing wrong with it, adding extra comments stating where the child needs
improvement also isn't a bad thing. It shows students constructive criticism to
let them improve for the best.
In my opinion, I
am stuck in the middle. I think that we just have both grading systems and the
feedback system. Without getting graded on our performance in school, it's just
like getting a medal for participating instead of winning first or second
place. I agree that seeing a bad grade on my report card makes me want to get
better marks, yet the feedback system can help me improve my weak points to get
better grades. I like the feedback system because instead of focusing on just
grades, I can get criticism to improve my work. Overall, I like both of the
systems and I think we should have both on our report cards.
HELP ME
What is for homework, how do we put our Proposal on google docs and for #3 do we have to make a rubric?
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