Making Progress

There are three levels of progress noted on our report cards:

M= Meets proficiency standards.

P= Progressing toward proficiency.

N= Needs more time to meet standard.

 

At this time of year it is too early to measure some skills and knowledge, but they must be included on the report card just for the sake of convenience. Otherwise we would have to issue four different report cards each year. So of course my students don’t know how to “solve addition and subtraction word problems”. I haven’t taught word problems yet, and won’t for several months. However, I am helping them explore the concept in morning meeting by asking things like “If your mom gives you two apples and I give you two more, how many will you have?” Most of my students are making progress in understanding, but a few still look at me like “I don’t even like apples, why would I want more?” You can tell they are not into the “math” part of the question because they raise their little hands and say things like “Mrs. Maurer, my mom peels my apples.”

Next week I will give their parents a report card that is a reflection of testing, daily work, observation, and progress toward proficiency. Every one of my students has made progress these first nine weeks. For some that has meant learning to read a few words. For others it has meant finally learning to write their own name. But progress is progress and each step leads to the goal of an educated mind. 

Comments

[Kindergarten in Victoria]

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