grading

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grading
By Julianne

I teach first grade and our report to parents is less structured than older grades. Still, I grade most papers, then record the grades on a cross section of tests, assignments and daily work. I keep track of who turned
in homework so I can discuss the homework, or lack thereof, with parents at conference time.
The last poster uses a good system for making sure students turn in classwork (as opposed to homework). Of course you make sure struggling students get the help they need to finish each assignment. But normally, you set an expectation and they need to meet it. I actually pull the papers out

of the turn in basket and call names for kids to line up for recess. If they don't hear their name, I'm so sorry, no recess until I get your ______ paper.

I also take up nearly everything. Some things you can have the student correct themselves either individually or as a group. Don't keep these grades. They are just so the student can see where they need to work. But the papers they correct themselves can go home.

Yes, I think you need to allow make-up work when there are extenuating circumstances like illness, sleep deprivation, confusion. But do remember that some students won't always work up to your expectations no matter how long you allow for make-up. Your ADHD students won't finish papers and should be accommodated in whatever way seems appropriate. Some students simply can't write fast enough to finish and they should be accommodated, too. For a few of my students I've had them finish the first half of an assignment, then bring it to me for review. If they've "got it" I let them be done. It's unrealistic to expect every student to do the exact same amount of work! If you're discreet other students won't notice these accommodations. If they do notice, you need to explain that every kid is different and you have different expectations based on what is best for each kid. (When I grade accommodated papers I give full credit. A 20 problem math paper where an accommodated student answered 10 questions would be scored a "20" unless they missed a problem. Then it's "18" because each of their problems is worth 2 points.)