I am considering a monumental move. I moved from high school to 8th grade 4 years ago, and it was a huge eye-opener for me. I love the age, the curriculum, and my colleagues, despite the fact that I always defined myself as "high school" teacher. The transition was smooth and fun, and I've never looked back.
I was approached today and asked to think about teaching 6th grade -- same building, same boss, same administration. I never saw myself as a 6th grade teacher, but this position has some great benefits to it that are very appealing to me. We are a suburban middle school, grades 6-8 of about 1000 kids, funneling from 3 K-5 schools and into one 9-12 high school. I need some advice from those of you who have been on both ends of the spectrum. I know 6th and 8th are totally different. What advice would you give to someone moving from one end of that spectrum to another? I have not made a decision yet -- I work for an amazing department head who will support me either way -- but I'd love any input or advice! Ms. Liz McGivern 8th grade Language Arts Hudson Memorial School -----Original Message----- From: [email protected] on behalf of Alice Cortigiano Sent: Sat 3/13/2010 9:05 AM To: 'A list for improving literacy with focus on middle grades.' Subject: Re: [LIT] Grading writing assignments faster First, I always have a rubric so I am grading the focus of instruction. Then, I divide them into 3 groups quickly (high, middle, low) so I can see what the general understanding is. I like to score the higher ones first and then work my way down....don't ask me why it just works for me. Next, I grade using a 1 - 6 scale. I transfer those into a grade for the report card. I don't like to put a percentage grade on the paper but I do need it for report cards as we're still in the dark ages when it comes to reporting data to parents.....they need a percentage score! Alice Cortigiano John Martinez Magnet School "Where the Sun Always Shines" -----Original Message----- From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Nancy Carroll Sent: Thursday, March 11, 2010 6:03 PM To: [email protected] Subject: [LIT] Grading writing assignments faster Hi Everyone, I would like to know if anyone has any proven, fun ways of making grading essays faster and less painful! Any hints? Would love to hear your tips and tricks, from veterans and new teachers alike. Happy Thursday! Nancy Carroll _______________________________________________ The Literacy Workshop ListServ http://www.literacyworkshop.org To unsubscribe or modify your membership please go to http://literacyworkshop.org/mailman/options/lit_literacyworkshop.org. Search the LIT archives at http://snipurl.com/LITArchive _______________________________________________ The Literacy Workshop ListServ http://www.literacyworkshop.org To unsubscribe or modify your membership please go to http://literacyworkshop.org/mailman/options/lit_literacyworkshop.org. Search the LIT archives at http://snipurl.com/LITArchive
_______________________________________________ The Literacy Workshop ListServ http://www.literacyworkshop.org To unsubscribe or modify your membership please go to http://literacyworkshop.org/mailman/options/lit_literacyworkshop.org. Search the LIT archives at http://snipurl.com/LITArchive
