Determination of Grades in Grades 6-12 w/ Ken O'Connor

Determining grades in Grades 6 to 12 is a complex & multi-faceted process that requires careful consideration of learning goals, performance standards & student behavior. How can teachers provide unbiased feedback to promote student success?

Ken O’Connor joins us on the show to share deep insights on how to report behaviors & determine grades accurately. Ken is a renowned Author & Expert in the field assessment of evaluation.

In the session, Ken expounds on hot-button issues when it comes to grading, such as Homework, making Homework relevant, how to report behaviors on report cards & why it’s more useful to give comments on formative assessments rather than on report cards. Moreover, he expounds on the benefits of a standards-based grading system, how to effectively communicate grades to parents, and address any questions or concerns.

Ultimately, we delve into the rise of Open AI, how it can be used to supplement rather than replace teachers' expertise in grading & how teachers can use the resources to support rather than deconstruct student learning & growth.

Tune in for more insights!

Timestamps

[01:10] Introducing today’s guest, “Ken O’Connor.”

[01:55] Hot button issues when it comes to grading & how to address

[07:40] How to effectively report behaviors such as attendance, punctuality & participation on a report card

[10:46] Giving comments on the formative assessments versus on the report card

[14:24] How teachers can handle a situation where a student may be excelling in one area and struggling in another

[18:05] How to effectively communicate grades to parents & addressing their concerns

[21:16] Using open AI such as Chat GPT to supplement rather than replace teachers' expertise in grading as well as how teachers can use them to support rather than deconstruct student learning & growth

[27:48] Ken’s advice on grading

[28:48] How to connect with Ken O’Connor

Quotes

● “It’s only in High School that grades matter in the sense that they are used for external purposes. Nobody is going to get to Havard based on their middle school grades. Not that middle grades are not important, but it’s really at the High school level that it's critical we use quality grading practices.”

● “We’ve got to quit just commenting on our report cards. We have to say something about what those report comments are supposed to be about.”

Let’s Connect

Connect with Ken O’Connor on;

● Twitter: @kenoc7

● Email: [e-mail]

Connect with Dr. Dana Specker Watts on;

● Twitter: https://twitter.com/teachwatts

Connect with Mike Pierre on;

● Twitter: https://twitter.com/Ayitis_SigmaMan

More resources

● Head over to iss.edu/events to see future PD's that ISS is offering for the SY 22-23.

● Join the Diversity Collaborative platform-https://info.iss.edu/sign-up-diversity-collaborative

● Head over to https://www.seniainternational.org/ to check out inclusion education practices for individuals with disabilities and ensure their potential is fully maximized.