September 8, 2017-- On Sept 4 and 5, ISD middle and high school teachers participated in a two day seminar, Assessment that Improves Learning, Effective Policies and Practices for Grading with internationally renowned educators, Dr. Tom Guskey. The workshop focused on best teaching and learning practices. Dr. Guskey led the group in discussions about designing appropriate assessments, developing learning targets, providing effective feedback and documenting learning progress, all with the goal of improving student learning. Dr. Guskey also covered effective grading and reporting policies and practices.
This seminar compliments ISD administration's efforts to improve our grading and assessment practices in coordination with the IB Program. Parents of middle school students will soon see an updated report card that separates out academic achievement from study skills, class participation, and late or missing assignments, along with an increase in using grading rubrics. This will give both parents and students a clearer picture of ways to improve academic achievement and learning processes. High school teachers will be working implement similar changes in the coming months.
