Proficiency Scales, Grading and Reporting Meetings, Sputnik Returns

This week's blog has more examples of using proficiency scales with students, opportunities to learn more about Southeast Polk's plan for grading and reporting, and a video from the artist who created the sculpture 'Sputnik Returns'.

Curriculum Challenge

This is the LAST WEEK of the curriculum challenge!  

This challenge includes opportunities for classrooms to share, create, and see examples of different types of representations of scales.  

Between now and May 4th, we are inviting teachers to share and or create examples of our proficiency scale designed for the students you serve.  Take a picture of your example and either email it to me, or post on twitter with the hashtag #sepolkscales. Please include your grade level and/or content area.  All examples will be posted to the blog. Let's try to share as many examples as we can to support each other in using the scales with students. On May 4th, we will do a random drawing of all participants of the challenge and 5 teachers will receive a copy of "The New Art and Science of Teaching."

Below are more examples posted this week, including one from a PE class, one from a Kindergarten class, and one from a student teacher!

Grading and Reporting Meetings

We are getting ready to finalize our action plan for next year, and we want to give all teachers the opportunity to provide input and feedback.  We have planned some 1 hour sessions between now and the end of the year. If you have questions or would like to provide feedback, please plan on attending one of these sessions.  Payroll sheets will be provided. All sessions will be held in the district board room.

Afternoon Sessions

May 1st, May 8th

4:15 PM-5:15 PM

Morning Sessions

May 4th, May 11th

7:00 AM-8:00 AM

Sputnik Returns

There was much enthusiasm around the sculpture that was at Southeast Polk on Tuesday of this week as a part of Bravo Des Moines “Every Day, Everywhere Art” initiative.  The artist, Brandon Vickerd, tweeted a video showing how he created the sculpture. He shares his creative process, and current and future student artists will enjoy learning more about his thinking and purpose.