Q: My student was absent what should they do?
A: One of the goals that I have for students in 8th grade is to answer this question independently. However, I do realize that middle school is for training and they are still navigating through what to do in life. They have been trained in checking the Homework Schedule online, checking with their absent group leader for notes and handouts, and then checking with me to get any missed instruction and assessments. I am happy to catch them up but I do ask that they go through the "steps" first before they come to me and ask..."I was absent, did we do anything?"
Q: What are weekly packets and why do you use them?
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Every Monday students are given their weekly learning packet. Included are both weekly tasks and problem sets that are due daily. Students can work ahead and learn time management! Especially in a world that requires so much online work it gives them a chance to get their work done and plan for technical difficulties. They are graded and turned in every MONDAY and whatever they have completed will get an overall grade for the week. These are completion grades only. (In the case of family emergencies students will have more time but otherwise they are required to turn them in on Monday.) Weekly homework is posted each week in IC as a weekly grade. This means you will not see individual missing assignments for daily homework and they cannot turn in work late. What they have done each week is what they get credit for. This is how I develop "habits" in students. I believe that each week is a new start to reach and exceed their g
You will see: 4 (A)-Exceed, 3 (B)-Proficient, 2 (C)-Partially Proficient, 1-(D) Unsatisfactory
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Q: So does my child have homework every night?
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Yes (and no!) If your student has worked ahead and all of their problem sets are completed then it is possible that they can do less math for the night. However, if they take every night off they will find themselves buried on the weekend. They will find out very quickly the consequences of procrastination!
Q: Why do quizzes not "count" in IC? an d why do all quizzes need to be revised no matter what the grade?
A: My philosopy is that students need to have a safe place to learn. I do this by creating muliple opportuniities for students. Why are there grades in the grade book that show up in red? This is because their initial quiz grades do not count towards their overall percent. I post them so you can see how they did on their first try but it is the process grade that will be posted and calculated into their overall percentage. For example if your student got 7/10 on their quiz you will see 70% in red but they can still get a “4”(A) on their process grade when they fill out their revision form and follow the steps required.
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Q: What is a process grade?
A: It is how we all learn from our mistakes! No matter if we make 1 mistake or 10 we fix them! That’s how I create a safe place for them to learn and grow. This is what traditionally was known as a "quiiz" grade, but now the grade is on the revising/processing rather than the score. (See question above for how it looks in the grade book.)
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Q: My child struggled on a test can they retake it?
A: Yes and no. Let me explain...by the time we have reached summative tests that test standards (color-coded green) students have already had mulitple times they could "retake" and show learning. So no, they cannot retake a test but they will have another opporutnity to be assessed on that standard later in the semester that will then be part of their overall grade.
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Q: What is parent input ?
A: I have used this for many years and found that both the students and parents benefit from this learning. Each week students will teach you something that they learned in class for the week. The task is very open: simply your student needs to discuss and teach a concept that was covered in class to you. You fill out the adult input line with the date, what was learned, and signature. They have a full week to complete this and choose to teach you anytime throughout the week.
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Q: When are you available for more individualized instruction?
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A: I am available for one-on-one instruction before school between 7:00am and 7:54am unless I have a meeting. If your child would like to come in before school, please have them e-mail or tell me that they would like to come in so that I can confirm that I will be present in my room at that time. I also highly encourage students to sign up for CORE tutorials on Thursdays, during this time students get help from me in a much smaller setting and I can give them individual attention.
Q: How can I contact you?
A: Please help your student take ownership this year and have them e-mail me first rporier@lps.k12.co.us and cc you as on the e-mail as well. I believe this the best way to help students become problem solvers and communicators…important skills for the 21st century. See my contact tab for a quick method to message me.
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