#mdeschat Archive | Participate

lindamcToth - Moderator Feb 25 @ 8:00 PM EST

#mdeschat Good evening! I hope everyone is doing well. Please take a moment to introduce yourself Please remember to use the hashtag!

rachelamstutz - Moderator Feb 25 @ 8:00 PM EST

@lindamcToth Hello, all!! Rachel in Pasadena. #mdeschat

MrsMurat Feb 25 @ 8:00 PM EST

Need to save time? Check out these extensions: https://t.co/uIxqZKgyuV #gaed #mdeschat #memspachat #mschat #tnedchat #glhedchat #learnbetter

learnwholeheart Feb 25 @ 8:00 PM EST

Hi @lindamcToth - excited for this chat, as I enter grades! :P #mdeschat

principal64 - Moderator Feb 25 @ 8:01 PM EST

Chris, elementary principal in Glen Burnie, MD #mdeschat

learnwholeheart Feb 25 @ 8:01 PM EST

Hi everyone, I'm Bonita - I teach 4th grade in Annapolis, this is my 3rd year teaching #mdeschat

lindamcToth - Moderator Feb 25 @ 8:01 PM EST

#mdeschat Hello @rachelamstutz, so glad you are here!

lindamcToth - Moderator Feb 25 @ 8:01 PM EST

#mdeschat Hi @learnwholeheart It is great to have you here!

lindamcToth - Moderator Feb 25 @ 8:01 PM EST

#mdeschat @principal64 Hi Chris, how are you tonight?

principal64 - Moderator Feb 25 @ 8:02 PM EST

@lindamcToth looking forward to your chat! #mdeschat

lindamcToth - Moderator Feb 25 @ 8:03 PM EST

#mdeschat Thanks, Chris!

lindamcToth - Moderator Feb 25 @ 8:03 PM EST

#mdeschat I will be using the Q1 A1 format tonight. The first question is coming up.

memayer21 Feb 25 @ 8:04 PM EST

Hello, Matt from IL, elem lead learner #mdeschat

Speak4Power - Moderator Feb 25 @ 8:04 PM EST

Hi! Janice #SLP #teamFelegy #mdeschat

lindamcToth - Moderator Feb 25 @ 8:04 PM EST

#mdeschat Welcome @memayer21 and @Speak4Power

lindamcToth - Moderator Feb 25 @ 8:05 PM EST

#mdeschat Q1 What purposes do grades serve?

jazzmeister2013 Feb 25 @ 8:05 PM EST

Hello all! Greg- 2nd grade, #TeamFelegy. Amped after awesome STEAM night! Ready to grow! #mdeschat

WalterReap - Moderator Feb 25 @ 8:05 PM EST

Good evening to everyone! Walt, principal, Hyattsville, MD. #mdeschat

lindamcToth - Moderator Feb 25 @ 8:06 PM EST

#Mdeschat good to see you Greg! Hi Walt!

rachelamstutz - Moderator Feb 25 @ 8:06 PM EST

A1--lots of purposes of grading. Satisfies a requirement.Provide feedback,inform learning.Should mark progress towards standards. #mdeschat

learnwholeheart Feb 25 @ 8:07 PM EST

#mdeschat I also feel like grades should provide a comparison for S learning & grade level expectations

principal64 - Moderator Feb 25 @ 8:08 PM EST

A1. Grades should show progress towards standards, keeping a growth mindset, unfortunately, they're more like a reward #mdeschat

learnwholeheart Feb 25 @ 8:08 PM EST

#mdeschat for instance, if a S is not performing on grade level-their grades should reflect that, but other growth should be communicated??

memayer21 Feb 25 @ 8:08 PM EST

A1-grades serve as the evaluation of learning, but if learning never ends, what is the purpose of grades... #mdeschat

WalterReap - Moderator Feb 25 @ 8:08 PM EST

@lindamcToth Hey Linda looking forward to the sharing! #mdeschat

lindamcToth - Moderator Feb 25 @ 8:09 PM EST

#mdeschat Tricky question @memayer21

Speak4Power - Moderator Feb 25 @ 8:09 PM EST

A1 symbols that communicate progress compared to a peer group #mdeschat

jazzmeister2013 Feb 25 @ 8:09 PM EST

@lindamcToth Likewise, Linda! Always fun to collaborate each week! #mdeschat

WalterReap - Moderator Feb 25 @ 8:11 PM EST

A1: Grades provide Ps and Ss w/ a "check-in" on how students DID upon completion of activities during the instructional interval. #mdeschat

lindamcToth - Moderator Feb 25 @ 8:11 PM EST

#mdeschat Interesting how we all see similar purposes for grades, With that in mind Q2 coming up soon.

memayer21 Feb 25 @ 8:11 PM EST

@lindamcToth with so many flaws in the way people grade, including 0s and extra credit, does it really inform anything? #mdeschat

lindamcToth - Moderator Feb 25 @ 8:13 PM EST

#mdeschat The next question will build on what some of you have started working on in your thoughts. Q2 Why is grading often a challenge?

learnwholeheart Feb 25 @ 8:13 PM EST

@memayer21 @lindamcToth great question...it's so subjective in terms of the process.... (and some of the grading itself of course) #mdeschat

memayer21 Feb 25 @ 8:13 PM EST

@WalterReap if feedback is constant and ongoing, are grades needed? #mdeschat

jazzmeister2013 Feb 25 @ 8:13 PM EST

@memayer21 @lindamcToth Grades tell a part of the story. When based on rubric, grades can tell of level of accomplishment in task.#mdeschat

WalterReap - Moderator Feb 25 @ 8:14 PM EST

@memayer21 @lindamcToth YES, grades/grading is in the eye of the beholder. However, there's room to use grades to shape beliefs. #mdeschat

rachelamstutz - Moderator Feb 25 @ 8:14 PM EST

A2 Challenges include making grades mean something to students and teachers. What's the difference between 89% and 91%? #mdeschat

principal64 - Moderator Feb 25 @ 8:14 PM EST

A2. At the elementary level, grading conflicts with the understanding that students develop at different rates #mdeschat

WalterReap - Moderator Feb 25 @ 8:14 PM EST

@memayer21 Yes, Grades are a kind of feedback. #mdeschat

learnwholeheart Feb 25 @ 8:15 PM EST

I think this is y it's challenging-it's time consuming & seems like an added requirement-it's not organic #mdeschat https://t.co/oqq3WVL0xS

memayer21 Feb 25 @ 8:13 PM EST

@WalterReap if feedback is constant and ongoing, are grades needed? #mdeschat

memayer21 Feb 25 @ 8:15 PM EST

@WalterReap @lindamcToth totally agree, the process just needs to be more than a checklist of things to complete #mdeschat

lindamcToth - Moderator Feb 25 @ 8:15 PM EST

#mdeschat A2 Another problem is what some Ts feel is appropriate for a grade - should coming to school with a pencil be a grade?

memayer21 Feb 25 @ 8:16 PM EST

@jazzmeister2013 @lindamcToth I feel that type of feedback is informative for all, the idea of quarterly grades is a diff story #mdeschat

Speak4Power - Moderator Feb 25 @ 8:16 PM EST

Are quarterly grades mandated by comar? #mdeschat https://t.co/d3lzO67fdb

memayer21 Feb 25 @ 8:13 PM EST

@WalterReap if feedback is constant and ongoing, are grades needed? #mdeschat

memayer21 Feb 25 @ 8:16 PM EST

@Speak4Power @WalterReap what is come? #mdeschat

memayer21 Feb 25 @ 8:17 PM EST

@Speak4Power @WalterReap comar dang autocorrect #mdeschat

principal64 - Moderator Feb 25 @ 8:17 PM EST

A2. Grades can easily become more about compliance than growth and understanding #mdeschat

jazzmeister2013 Feb 25 @ 8:17 PM EST

@memayer21 @lindamcToth Had similar opinion when I taught PK. Progress reports don’t tell the story of progress for PK student. #mdeschat

lindamcToth - Moderator Feb 25 @ 8:17 PM EST

#mdeschat This actually scares me! https://t.co/IegltYAnVf

principal64 - Moderator Feb 25 @ 8:17 PM EST

A2. Grades can easily become more about compliance than growth and understanding #mdeschat

principal64 - Moderator Feb 25 @ 8:18 PM EST

@memayer21 Code of Maryland Regulations, Maryland law #mdeschat

Speak4Power - Moderator Feb 25 @ 8:18 PM EST

Maryland State agency regulations are compiled in the Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR) #mdeschat https://t.co/9HN63zIwAB

memayer21 Feb 25 @ 8:16 PM EST

@Speak4Power @WalterReap what is come? #mdeschat

WalterReap - Moderator Feb 25 @ 8:19 PM EST

A2: Grading is a challenge because "grades" have many different meanings; numbers, averages, final, in progress, and policies. #mdeschat

memayer21 Feb 25 @ 8:19 PM EST

A2-if we are truly focused on learning and ongoing learning, grading signifies an end to learning which is in contradiction #mdeschat

memayer21 Feb 25 @ 8:20 PM EST

@principal64 I think that is precisely what I did wrong and why I feel we need to reassess the use #mdeschat

WalterReap - Moderator Feb 25 @ 8:20 PM EST

Right on! You beat me to this thought. #mdeschat https://t.co/dMRHdsoeGL

memayer21 Feb 25 @ 8:19 PM EST

A2-if we are truly focused on learning and ongoing learning, grading signifies an end to learning which is in contradiction #mdeschat

lindamcToth - Moderator Feb 25 @ 8:20 PM EST

#mdeschat A2 How about consistency in a grade level? Different teachers did items graded.

memayer21 Feb 25 @ 8:21 PM EST

@Speak4Power @WalterReap I am not sure about Maryland, but I feel there has to be a better way to report S learning #mdeschat

rachelamstutz - Moderator Feb 25 @ 8:21 PM EST

@lindamcToth Yes, grades are so very subjective. #mdeschat

jazzmeister2013 Feb 25 @ 8:21 PM EST

A2- Grading can be generic. Earning a grade for a subject (quarterly). May not tell the story of specific standards or skills. #mdeschat

WalterReap - Moderator Feb 25 @ 8:21 PM EST

@memayer21 @principal64 Focus less on the GRADE and more on assessing! I like the term "in progress" since it parallels LEARNING. #mdeschat

lindamcToth - Moderator Feb 25 @ 8:22 PM EST

#Mdeschat Q3 coming up.

memayer21 Feb 25 @ 8:22 PM EST

@WalterReap @principal64 absolutely, and we use assessment info, not graded info! #mdeschat

WalterReap - Moderator Feb 25 @ 8:23 PM EST

@memayer21 @Speak4Power Public opinion understands "grades". I agree there are better ways to communicating learning over time. #mdeschat

Speak4Power - Moderator Feb 25 @ 8:25 PM EST

A2 Ss are graded, scored, assessed, tested, progress documented.mThat is a lot of measuring and judging. Is there learning time? #mdeschat

lindamcToth - Moderator Feb 25 @ 8:25 PM EST

#mdeschat Q3 How do grades provide Ss with feedback to improve?

principal64 - Moderator Feb 25 @ 8:27 PM EST

A3. Grades in themselves are not feedback unless teachers make the effort to conference with students #mdeschat

memayer21 Feb 25 @ 8:27 PM EST

A3-the way most grades are used don't inform improvement-S need to be involved on ground floor and check in on progress #mdeschat

lindamcToth - Moderator Feb 25 @ 8:27 PM EST

#mdeschat I completely agree! https://t.co/wg1FE6Zeer

principal64 - Moderator Feb 25 @ 8:27 PM EST

A3. Grades in themselves are not feedback unless teachers make the effort to conference with students #mdeschat

learnwholeheart Feb 25 @ 8:27 PM EST

A3 It can show them growth - it does show them which specific areas they are weakest in. #mdeschat

rachelamstutz - Moderator Feb 25 @ 8:28 PM EST

A3 well...not very well!Some grades(ie. E's r glaring),some sort of say are doing ok,some kinda tell you that you met expectations #mdeschat

learnwholeheart Feb 25 @ 8:28 PM EST

A3 But, without a conference or other forms of feedback - a grade alone is not going to inspire improvement #mdeschat

jazzmeister2013 Feb 25 @ 8:28 PM EST

A3- Grades as stand-alone letters provide pass/fail understanding, not feedback for growth. Verbal, written feedback paints… #mdeschat

learnwholeheart Feb 25 @ 8:28 PM EST

@principal64 lol - great minds ;) #mdeschat

jazzmeister2013 Feb 25 @ 8:29 PM EST

A3 (cont.) …clearer picture as to strengths and weaknesses in performance and where to grow. Rubrics give details for success. #mdeschat

memayer21 Feb 25 @ 8:30 PM EST

A3.2-I much prefer hearing S talk about goals and focused learning then seeing T spending time entering grades online #mdeschat

principal64 - Moderator Feb 25 @ 8:30 PM EST

A3. Even having all A's tells a student little, are we challenging our above level learners enough that an "A" means something? #mdeschat

Speak4Power - Moderator Feb 25 @ 8:32 PM EST

#mdeschat a grade doesn't come with an improvement plan. That requires a T https://t.co/IFhMCi58FX

learnwholeheart Feb 25 @ 8:28 PM EST

A3 But, without a conference or other forms of feedback - a grade alone is not going to inspire improvement #mdeschat

lindamcToth - Moderator Feb 25 @ 8:32 PM EST

#mdeschat You all brought up another ? - Q3b Can grades be used to help Ss move ahead in their Ed? How?

memayer21 Feb 25 @ 8:32 PM EST

@principal64 are kids even aware of what an "A" truly means regarding their mastery of content? They weren't when I taught, sadly #mdeschat

rachelamstutz - Moderator Feb 25 @ 8:34 PM EST

A3b - I think some students are motivated to do well and grades give them some level of feedback. They seek out ways to improve. #mdeschat

memayer21 Feb 25 @ 8:35 PM EST

A3b- if s are giving the opportunity, encouragement and corrective instruction, yes they could be effective #mdeschat

jazzmeister2013 Feb 25 @ 8:35 PM EST

A3b- When a Ss earns an A, there is certainly a sense of accomplishment. With a D, there is a sense of concern and… #mdeschat

rachelamstutz - Moderator Feb 25 @ 8:35 PM EST

A3b- Re-do policies can be useful for this purpose. #mdeschat

lindamcToth - Moderator Feb 25 @ 8:35 PM EST

#mdeschat @rachelamstutz Yes, motivated Ss can really use every ave to improve.

jazzmeister2013 Feb 25 @ 8:35 PM EST

A3b (cont.)- …a need to adjust to get better. #mdeschat

lindamcToth - Moderator Feb 25 @ 8:36 PM EST

#mdeschat @jazzmeister2013 As long as the D didn’t defeat the S and remove his/her drive.

jazzmeister2013 Feb 25 @ 8:36 PM EST

A3b- Ss want to do well. Getting an A can boost confidence. Provided w/ feedback, can boost growth. #mdeschat

learnwholeheart Feb 25 @ 8:37 PM EST

@jazzmeister2013 or... with a D - a sense of failure & hopelessness. I think it depends on the S & grade delivery #mdeschat

jazzmeister2013 Feb 25 @ 8:37 PM EST

@lindamcToth Exactly! That drives home the importance of feedback. D can be deflating w/out feedback and encouragement. #mdeschat

lindamcToth - Moderator Feb 25 @ 8:37 PM EST

#mdeschat I agree. https://t.co/brLr9fg8lU

learnwholeheart Feb 25 @ 8:37 PM EST

@jazzmeister2013 or... with a D - a sense of failure & hopelessness. I think it depends on the S & grade delivery #mdeschat

lindamcToth - Moderator Feb 25 @ 8:38 PM EST

#mdeschat Q4 coming up soon.

principal64 - Moderator Feb 25 @ 8:38 PM EST

I was always motivated more by great teachers than the pursuit of an "A" #mdeschat

Speak4Power - Moderator Feb 25 @ 8:38 PM EST

A3 As we discuss, I am reminded that I spent report card day handing a S w/ an IEP tissues. Grades carry personal judgement 4 Ss #mdeschat

jazzmeister2013 Feb 25 @ 8:38 PM EST

@learnwholeheart Absolutely! There has to be more than just the letter. Feedback is vital. Otherwise, it can be very deflating. #mdeschat

jazzmeister2013 Feb 25 @ 8:39 PM EST

@principal64 Yes! This is why grading is so generic. Perception vs reality of success. Growth not necessarily told by letter. #mdeschat

learnwholeheart Feb 25 @ 8:39 PM EST

@principal64 yes - I think it depends on the S, their love language, their learning style, personality, etc. I was driven by the A #mdeschat

lindamcToth - Moderator Feb 25 @ 8:39 PM EST

#mdeschat @Speak4Power That is so sad!

lindamcToth - Moderator Feb 25 @ 8:40 PM EST

#mdeschat Q4 Is grading on a curve a fair way to grade?

jazzmeister2013 Feb 25 @ 8:40 PM EST

Goes back to beginning of year. No fear of failure. When Ss understand that struggles come but we are in it together & will grow…#mdeschat

jazzmeister2013 Feb 25 @ 8:41 PM EST

…and learn from our mistakes, they are not consumed by an individual result as much. #GrowthMindset #mdeschat

learnwholeheart Feb 25 @ 8:42 PM EST

Q4 - great question!!! #mdeschat

rachelamstutz - Moderator Feb 25 @ 8:43 PM EST

A4 So there's a part of the student in me that see's fairness in a curve at some levels, but it seems to indicate poor teaching... #mdeschat

lindamcToth - Moderator Feb 25 @ 8:43 PM EST

#mdeschat @rachelamstutz or porr assessment?

principal64 - Moderator Feb 25 @ 8:43 PM EST

A4. I'm not sure if I've ever understood the "curve," seems like teachers use it to make up for poor instruction #mdeschat

lindamcToth - Moderator Feb 25 @ 8:43 PM EST

#mdeschat Let’s try that again poor assessment.

learnwholeheart Feb 25 @ 8:44 PM EST

A4 I agree with @rachelamstutz and @lindamcToth - I feel the need to do it when I doubt the effectiveness of my teaching... #mdeschat

principal64 - Moderator Feb 25 @ 8:45 PM EST

Wow! That was some quick agreement on grading on a curve! #mdeschat

lindamcToth - Moderator Feb 25 @ 8:45 PM EST

#mdeschat I remember being graded on a curve when the test was just insanely hard.

lindamcToth - Moderator Feb 25 @ 8:46 PM EST

#mdeschat Yes we did reach a quick agreement on grading on a curve!

lindamcToth - Moderator Feb 25 @ 8:46 PM EST

#mdeschat Q5 How should grades be explained to parents so they understand what they show the teachers?

Speak4Power - Moderator Feb 25 @ 8:47 PM EST

#mdeschat #slp in a multidisciplinary team player. We created an action plan & called Dad. No one be hopeless https://t.co/GCrstqx5yL

lindamcToth - Moderator Feb 25 @ 8:39 PM EST

#mdeschat @Speak4Power That is so sad!

jazzmeister2013 Feb 25 @ 8:47 PM EST

A5- Develop an understanding of standards covered. Cover strengths and weakness. Honest conversation. Gives grades relevance. #mdeschat

learnwholeheart Feb 25 @ 8:48 PM EST

A5 I guess it depends on how that teacher grades, and what the school's expectations for grades are... #mdeschat

lindamcToth - Moderator Feb 25 @ 8:49 PM EST

#mdeschat A5 I believe it is important for Ps to know a grade does not say if a child is smart or not.

Speak4Power - Moderator Feb 25 @ 8:49 PM EST

A4 curves promote acceptance of diverse strengths & weaknesses. It can ⬆️ compassion #mdeschat

jazzmeister2013 Feb 25 @ 8:49 PM EST

@lindamcToth This is so true! #mdeschat

learnwholeheart Feb 25 @ 8:50 PM EST

@lindamcToth yes! That definitely needs to be a conversation... #mdeschat

principal64 - Moderator Feb 25 @ 8:50 PM EST

A5. They will have less to explain if they are strong communicators: conferences, phone calls, emails, & sending graded work home #mdeschat

lindamcToth - Moderator Feb 25 @ 8:52 PM EST

#mdeschat Our next question has two parts. Q6a How do you handle the parent who only accepts A’s?

rachelamstutz - Moderator Feb 25 @ 8:53 PM EST

A6 Sharing clear expectations and using rubrics helps parents and students understand grades, task expectations, etc #mdeschat

Speak4Power - Moderator Feb 25 @ 8:54 PM EST

A4 wait, guys! As a curve breaker myself, I can say instruction was often fine. Learning differences & dare I say IQ were issues #mdeschat

principal64 - Moderator Feb 25 @ 8:54 PM EST

A6A. Be clear and consistent in sharing what an "A" means, show samples, provide rubrics, stand your ground #mdeschat

WalterReap - Moderator Feb 25 @ 8:55 PM EST

A6a: Communicating to Ps the grading policy and the work along the way. Having an A mindset is good if the effort matches it! #mdeschat

lindamcToth - Moderator Feb 25 @ 8:55 PM EST

#mdeschat @principal64 I believe standing your ground is important, as you work with P to build understanding.

lindamcToth - Moderator Feb 25 @ 8:56 PM EST

#mdeschat Q6b How about the parent who shows no interest in their child’s academic progress?

jazzmeister2013 Feb 25 @ 8:56 PM EST

@principal64 Clear and consistent- yes!! Vital to a successful team effort! #mdeschat

memayer21 Feb 25 @ 8:56 PM EST

Sorry for the missed ending, bedtime with the kids #mdeschat

learnwholeheart Feb 25 @ 8:57 PM EST

A6a - lots of communication and feedback #mdeschat

Speak4Power - Moderator Feb 25 @ 8:58 PM EST

A6 when you hear the helicopter blades, duck and cover. Then share data, just the facts. Team w/ P to develop improvement plan #mdeschat

principal64 - Moderator Feb 25 @ 8:59 PM EST

A6b. Keep seeking parent support, but focus on what we can control, our effort, our support, become the parent during the day #mdeschat