Friday, October 11, 2013

Action Research Abstract


This action research centers around standards based grading and how it improves student proficiency in two Intermediate Algebra classes.  Through research it was determined that standards based grading consists of separating the grade into standards, basing the grade only on academics, reporting the grade using defined levels of proficiency, allowing students to improve their scores, and communicating the grade in a clear manner. 

Standards based grading was implemented in each class by separating the tests into learning targets and reporting a separate score for each target in the gradebook.  The grade was weighted so that 90% was based on test scores and 10% was based on homework.  Work ethic, extra credit, and participation were not included in the grade.  Students were allowed a chance to improve their grade through retaking individual learning targets after each test. 

For this action research, data was collected in multiple ways.  Students and parents were given surveys regarding pre-conceived notions about grades.  Observations were made about student’s on-task time when given a review focused on improving specific learning targets as opposed to a general review.  Data was compiled showing student proficiency on each exam as compared to student proficiency after retakes had been factored into the grade.  Each of these types of data collection helped to give an overall idea about standards based grading and how it improved student proficiency.   

No comments:

Post a Comment