Coffee with the Principal - Equitable Grading edition notes
It was great to spend time with some caregivers in person this week at our first Coffee with the Principal this year. For those who missed it, here is a summary of our conversation about the equitable grading shifts we are thinking about at WMS and what it means for you and your child.
- As our teachers shift towards more equitable grading practices, it is important that rigorous instruction and learning continues to happen. Though the WMS staff is starting by examining our grading practices, this is leading us to shift our teaching and planning practices as well. Some of these shifts can be seen this year, other shifts will take a few years for us to do well.
- Practice for student learners, sometimes in the form of homework, is an important part of learning! Even if some teachers are not giving a grade for homework completion, it is important to put in the practice time before a final assessment in a class, which is graded.
- "Habits of Mind", "soft skills", or "social pragmatics" are important, and teachers are shifting towards giving feedback to students and caregivers through comments rather than through the letter grade, as the letter grade (A-F) is intended to communicate the student's mastery of a subject area rather than the behaviors that the student demonstrates in class.
- If we make a shift in our grading, it will happen over the next few years. We currently grade students in an A-F system, and we will continue that next year. With elementary schools in WPS using a standards-based grading system, and the high school using an A-F system, it will be important for WMS to be a bridge between those two systems, perhaps in a hybrid grading model. This is NOT a decision that has been made yet, but one we are exploring.
- While the high school is likely not shifting from the A-F system, they are exploring how to grade more equitably within that system. Our 8th and 9th grade teachers have already begun meeting to plan for a smooth transition for our 8th graders in just a few short months!
- It is important for us as a school to become more consistent in our messaging and practices across clusters. This is why we will take a few years to dig deeper in the the standards at every grade level and subject area. If we moved towards a hybrid grading system (standards-based grading and an A-F letter grade translation), the purpose would be to make it easier for students, families, and teachers to understand what standards students are making appropriate progress in, and what needs more work. At the end of the day, we want our grades to be accurate, bias-free, and motivational.
- Whether we move towards a hybrid model, or stay in the A-F grading model, as we come to consensus as a school staff, we will use events like Back to School Night to inform caregivers of what they can expect to see on a report card, and how they can use it to help their child celebrate their growth and make a plan for continuous improvement. Clear communication is important!
If you missed this first coffee hour, don't worry because we will have a few more opportunities this year. We will highlight topics like school safety and next year's schedule changes with WHS becoming our neighbor.
Cradles to Crayons Children’s Clothing Drive
WMS 8th grade student, Maddox Caron is working with Cradles to Crayons and Project351 to run a 0-12 clothing drive between March 20th and March 31st. Join in!
New or lightly used clothing can be dropped off in the box at the main lobby.
Ages 0-12, but any size is accepted
New or lightly used
Undergarments & socks must be new
1 in 3 children in Massachusetts is at risk of experiencing clothing insecurity. Together we can make a difference!
Spring family offerings from the Harvard Museums of Science & Culture
In-Person Event | Saturdays, March 11, April 8, May 13, 2:00–3:30 pm
Harvard Museum of Natural History, 26 Oxford Street, Cambridge
Meet up-and-coming scientists and learn about questions at the forefront of research today in this series of monthly short talks. Perhaps you’ll discuss how studying dog reactions help us learn about the evolution of social behavior, or maybe you’ll consider the regrowth of a microscopic worm after injury. Recommended for ages 10–Adults.
Let’s Draw: HMSC Sketching Weekend
In-Person Event | Saturday, March 18 and Sunday, March 19, 1:00–4:00 pm
The Harvard Museums of Science & Culture provide inspiration for all levels of artists and curious visitors. Elevate your own creative process by trying your hand at sketching this weekend. Meet HMSC Volunteer Sketching Facilitators in the galleries and learn what motivates them to draw in the museums. Then try sketching a museum object yourself.
Amazing Archaeology Fair at Harvard
In-Person Event | Sunday, March 26, 1:00–4:00 pm
Explore North American, South American, Egyptian, and Mesopotamian archaeology across the exhibit halls of two museums. Activities include ancient DNA analysis, animal mummies, King Tut’s throne, spear throwing, flintknapping, and other surprises during this popular annual event.
In-Person Summer Programs | Mondays–Fridays, 9:30 am–12:00 pm
Registration is open! Select from a wide array of Summer Science Week programs for children entering grades 1–8. Favorites include Amazing Animals, Super Scientists, and The Ins and Outs of Skeletons
Watertown Middle School
Website: https://wms.watertown.k12.ma.us/
Location: 68 Waverley Avenue, Watertown, MA, USA
Phone: 617-926-7783