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(1/8): Alabama teachers: If you have not started using @Schoology already, here is one reason that you should. IMO the most powerful yet overlooked feature is the Learning Objective tools built in throughout the system. Here is my case for not sleeping on the Align button...
(2/8): You can create custom Learning Objectives within Schoology Groups (hello PLCs!) or your own Resources. This means simplifying standards in custom groups or adding standards. Once you start aligning content, you can track mastery of those standards.
(3/8): Additionally if your district sets up particular Learning Objectives, you can continue to track mastery, but you can ALSO continue to provide more customized criteria/feedback through rubrics.
(4/8): Speaking of rubrics, once you have your custom learning objectives set up, you can easily include those in rubrics + apply any grading scale that you have customized in your Gradebook (such as a 1-4 model) by selecting "Apply Grading Scale" in the top right of the rubric.
(5/8): Let's put all that good talk about disrupting harmful grading practices by actually customizing grading scales to fit our learners' needs. You can develop a 1-4 point-based grading scale with descriptors such as approaching target, met target, or exceeded target.
(6/8): If you MUST do a percentage, you can adjust the way students see the gradebook so that they only see Letter Grade. From there you can tweak the letter grade to be a description in of itself.
(7/8): Is this a flashy tech tool? No. Does this take work? Yes. Will there be naysayers? You betcha. Can this tool be a part of the puzzle that transforms the way students perceive learning? Absolutely if done mindfully and collectively.
(8/8): You have the tools -- learn, use, internalize, and communicate them! Don't wait for another @ALConfGAL to tell yourself that things need to change without taking the time to make the change that needs to happen.
