HIT #2: library report cards

[Karen Hathaway <hathaway@west-monona.k12.ia.us>]

Library report cards continued:

"I give grades to approximately 1200 students; no aide and 9-10 classes
per day. It is ridiculous."

"I give quarter grades for 175 2nd and 3rd graders. The other librarian
has grades 1st and 4th. I also send out progress reports when necessary.
O=outstanding, S, and NI; S- and S+ are possible. Grades go on the
regular report card. Grades are important because kids would do no work
at all if there were no grades."

"I only give grades to students who are not achieving appropriately. I
do think it is a waste of time for media specialists to give grades to
students. Media skills should be taught in context, within the regular
curriculum, coordinating with class teachers."

"I give a check, check plus, and check minus (in other words, S, N, E.)
They are given to teachers and go on the regular report card.I usually
end up grading behavior."

"I give grades every 9 weeks to 325 to 525 students. O, S, N only with
four descriptors: respects students,staff, facilities; circulates
materials; daily work; and project grades. I add comments only twice a
year unless needed. Am required to do a skills checklist evaluation for
4th grade and a research skills evaluation for 6th grade."

"I give grades S,N,U (based on conduct) for 4th and 5th grades (every 9
weeks) and progress reports for primary students every 12 weeks.  I am
in a K-5 school with 450 students."

"I work in a K-8 school and give letter grades for 5-8 grades which go
on the regular report card."

"I give grades for 4-6 grades and hate it. Everyone gets an A, because I
let them do their work over until they get it right. It's a big waste of
time and has really changed the way I teach."

"I work in a K-5 school and give grades for 1-5. Grades 1 and 2 =E,G,S,N
3-5=A,B,C (no D or F) Grades are given at semester, approximately 600
cards."
" I grade in two categories: attitude and achievement/mastery, S or U.
I question it."
"I dislike it. Grades for  3-5 for 350 students. S=satisfactory,
P=Passing, N=not satisfactory. I also plan on including a checklist
listing what was covered and how they participated. Also keep track of
how many times a student checks out during each quarter."
"I give grades on the classroom report card E,S, N, U. On 4-6 cards, I
also have number codes for things like: shows effort, contributes
significantly in class, doesn't work up to potential, doesn't follow
rules/regulations, etc."
"I give out 400 cards and am questioning it. C=consistently, U=usually,
D=developing, I=insuffient effort, N=needs moretime/experience. I grade
in two areas: understands/applies concepts and demonstrates effort."
"I hand out 750 cards every 9 weeks. S,N, U grades. I am frustrated and
feel it is an extreme waste of time. I gave mostly S's as I did not take
grades, and I had no clue who half of the kids were."
"I feel grades are well worth the effort. I am in a K-6 school. I
evaluate grades 1,3,5 every other 9 weeks and grades2,4,6 the other
times. Our grading system is from 1  to 4. 1=unsatisfactory and
4=outstanding. I grade on 7 performance areas: active participation,
mastery of skills taught, ability to listen/follow directions, ability
to locate resources, etc. I try to add a personalized comment to each,
180 report cards each time. The grade card validates the library as a
true
classroom."
"I give grades for 620 1st-3rd grades, 4 times a year. Objectives are to
be exposed to variety of literature, familiar with book parts, identify
circulation procedures, and my method of evaluation for most lessons is
class participation. Almost everyone gets a VG (very good),
S=satisfactory if lack of cooperation, and a few N=needs improvement.
4-6 receive participation grades, 7-8 incorporated through the language
arts classes, HS incorporated through regular classes, No grade after
the
6th grade."
"I give grades for grades 6-8 as a part of the language arts grade."
"I give grades for K-2; unrealistic."
_____________________
I have been allowed to revamp my own report cards in cooperation with
our elem. music and elem. p.e. and elem. art instructors. I will
continue to give out grades of E,G,S,N,U  in three divisions: I.
Achievement/Mastery of Skills (understands concepts for grade level,
completes assignments/activities/daily work, gets work done on time) II.
Participation (contributes in class, expresses willingness to work,
works up to potential) III. Behavior and Attitude (Shows effort,
conducts self properly in class, repsects students, staff, equipment,
facilities)
A check indicates improvement is needed. I will still be required to
give out quarterly grades to K-7 with a semester grade included. I have
also
included a separate box at the bottom of the card which says Media
center materials: returns materials on time (using a check indicating
improvement is needed.)

Thank you to all who responded to my plea for help!

Karen Held Hathaway, Librarian
West Monona Community School, Onawa, Iowa
hathaway@west-monona.k12.ia.us

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