District 34 Middle School Grading Survey 2008

Please answer all questions on this survey as it pertains to your grade level and subject area assignments for the current 2007-2008 school year.


A red asterisk (*) indicates required questions.

  1. What subject(s) do you currently teach? (check all that apply)*
    Math
    Science
    Social Studies
    LA
    Fine Arts
    PE
    Global Language
    ELL
    Gifted Enrichment
    Student Services


  1. What grade level(s) do you currently teach? (check all that apply)*
    6
    7
    8


  1. How many years have you been teaching?*
    1 year or less
    2 to 5 years
    6 to 10 years
    11 years or more


  1. I use letter grades alone to accurately reflect student achievement*
    Always
    Most of the time
    Sometimes
    Never


  1. I use letter grades, along with anecdotal feedback, to accurately reflect student achievement*
    Always
    Most of the time
    Sometimes
    Never


  1. I use the same criteria to grade all students who do not receive additional enrichment or support*
    Always
    Most of the time
    Sometimes
    Never


  1. I use grades to motivate students*
    Always
    Most of the time
    Sometimes
    Never


  1. I use grades to reward students for improvement*
    Always
    Most of the time
    Sometimes
    Never


  1. I use extra credit in my grade calculations for students*
    Always
    Most of the time
    Sometimes
    Never


  1. I incorporate student effort in my grade calculations*
    Always
    Most of the time
    Sometimes
    Never


  1. I allow students to improve their grades by retaking or correcting assessments*
    Always
    Most of the time
    Sometimes
    Never


  1. I allow students to correct work for partial credit*
    Always
    Most of the time
    Sometimes
    Never


  1. I assign a letter grade or points to assignments*
    Always
    Most of the time
    Sometimes
    Never


  1. I grade assignments for accuracy and progress*
    Always
    Most of the time
    Sometimes
    Never


  1. I only record graded assignments after the student has had time to practice a given skill*
    Always
    Most of the time
    Sometimes
    Never


  1. I give points/grades for assignments that are completed (regardless of accuracy)*
    Always
    Most of the time
    Sometimes
    Never


  1. I use student work to inform my daily instruction/planning*
    Always
    Most of the time
    Sometimes
    Never


  1. The students in my class know that a letter grade is secondary to content mastery*
    Always
    Most of the time
    Sometimes
    Never


  1. I provide the opportunity, in class, for students to review and reflect on their graded work*
    Always
    Most of the time
    Sometimes
    Never


  1. As the school term progresses, my grading criteria become more rigorous*
    Always
    Most of the time
    Sometimes
    Never


  1. I adjust student grades based on student improvement and progress during the term*
    Always
    Most of the time
    Sometimes
    Never


  1. I deduct grades/points for work that is:(check all that apply)*
    late
    incomplete
    not turned in


  1. I use grades to help students set individual goals*
    Always
    Most of the time
    Sometimes
    Never


  1. When grading, I provide the following:(check all that apply)*
    letter grade
    specific feedback
    plus/minus
    points


  1. My turn around for grading student work is*
    immediate (graded in class)
    next class meeting
    2 class meetings or more
    I don't grade student work


  1. My turn around for grading student projects or tests is*
    immediate (graded in class)
    next class meeting
    2 class meetings or more
    I don't grade student projects or tests


  1. I round grades up or down based on: (check all that apply)*
    effort
    behavior
    class participation
    improvement


  1. I use zeros: (check all that apply)*
    for missing work
    for late work
    for failing grades on assignments/projects
    for failing grades on assessments
    for cheating
    never


  1. I use a failing percentage (i.e. 50-59%) instead of a zero as an indicator:
    (check all that apply)*
    for missing work
    for late work
    for failing grades on assignments/projects
    for failing grades on assessments
    for cheating
    never


  1. Please share any additional comments or ideas regarding grading in general or your own specific grading practices.
Jim Woell