MMA Monday Montessori Moments
November 13, 2017
A message from our Assistant Director, Kacee Weaver
Traditional Grading vs. Mastery Learning
Above is an actual example of a grade book used at a traditional school in our area. This student was expected to learn about semicolons and colons in an English Language Arts class.
· On Tuesday, October 31st and Thursday Nov. 2nd, the student turned in classwork and received an F grade. Despite the fact that the student was present and the work was done in class, the student did not understand the concept.
· Over the next several days during study hall and after school, the student participated in additional lessons with the teacher to improve his understanding of this specific concept.
· His improved scores on the same concept represent that his understanding increased significantly and that the additional lessons were effective in helping the student understand the concept.
· On the final exam, a week after the practice work began; the student received a 100% and demonstrated his mastery of semicolons and colons.
· Unfortunately due to the fact that all grades are averaged this student’s previous attempts at learning count against his final grade. This student still has an overall 51% or an F grade.
What might this student’s perception be in regards to learning, since the extra work he put in resulted in no change to what is measured and communicated by the school? This example demonstrates one of the many problems with a traditional grading system.
In Maria Montessori Academy’s Mastery Learning philosophy, a student’s practice work does not count against them. Students are given multiple opportunities to learn and practice until they master the concept. They are graded only on their final understanding of the necessary concept. We do this through a 1-4 scale of understanding.
Scale of Understanding
4
The student knows all of the simple and complex knowledge and skills and goes beyond what was taught in class to apply that knowledge.
3
The student knows all of the simple and complex knowledge and skills.
2
With help, he student knows the simple knowledge and skills but not the complex knowledge and skills.
1
Minimal to no independent demonstration or insufficient evidence of the required knowledge and skills.
This paradigm shift of mastery learning vs. traditional grading is one that supports the idea that the acquisition of knowledge is a process and the outcome is not a final destination. Students at Maria Montessori Academy love to learn because they are not evaluated with a traditional letter grade on each assignment. They are provided direct feedback and encouraged to learn from and teach others.
If, at any time, you have a question about where your student's academic progress - please reach out to your student’s teacher. They would be more than happy to tell or show you where your child is in the progress towards mastery of the state’s academic standards.
Traditional letter grades are provided for 9th grade student transcripts using the overall knowledge they represent on the standards that are expected for 9th grade students. There is no problem with the transfer of graduation credit to area high schools.
Annual Gratitude Feast
Our Annual Gratitude Feast will be held on November 16, 2017 at 11:30 am. This is our way of thanking our community leaders and local police and fire departments for all they do for our school. Please visit the sign up sheet below to see how you can help.
School Pictures (Retake Day)
Wednesday, Nov 15, 2017, 09:30 AM
MMA Gym
Chess Club
Thursday, Oct 12, 2017, 03:00 PM
South Kiva
Gratitude Feast
Thursday, Nov 16, 2017, 11:30 AM
MMA Gym
Thanksgiving Break
Monday, Nov 20, 2017, 08:00 AM
MMA
MMA Jr. High Groundbreaking
Wednesday, Nov 29, 2017, 03:15 PM
MMA Playground
6th Grade Parents
Trip Fee for the California Redwoods of $260 is due November 16th.
Junior High Groundbreaking!
Parent Survey
Attendance Reminder
Volunteer Photographer Needed
Overheard...
"Become a hippy! Peace Love and Happiness" Girl-Upper Elementary
Yearbook Photos needed
Do you have any photos from class parties or MMA events that you would like to share? Please email high quality photos labeled with the classroom or event to Lowen@mariamontessoriacademy.org
Yearbooks
Visit ybpay.lifetouch.com to order. Yearbook ID is 13283718.
Smith's Inspiring Donations
Teacher Spotlight! Amy Otto (Upper Elementary)
How did you find out about Montessori Education?
My mother loves the Montessori Method. A Montessori education wasn't available when I was growing up so my mother bought Montessori materials and my sisters and I played with them. When Maria Montessori Academy opened I knew I had to enroll my children. Three of my four children have attended M.M.A.
How long have you been at MMA?
I have been at MMA since the doors opened eight years ago. I started working here as an assistant in Ms. Angie's class. The following year I was hired as a teacher and I have loved working with the amazing children at M.M.A
What is your favorite thing about MMA?
I love the Montessori community. We watch out for each other and take care of one another. I love the Montessori Method and how it allows children to be children and allows them to work at their own pace. We are all on a different path in life and I'm grateful MMA lets us each explore our path in our own way.
Favorite Food?
Cheddar Cheese
Favorite Color?
Red
Favorite Movie?
13 Going on 30
What is something that people would be surprised to know about you?
I have been to 5 different countries. I love to travel and explore new surroundings.
Pizza Form Reminder
Food Drive
Maria Montessori Academy
Email: info@mariamontessoriacademy.org
Website: www.mariamontessoriacademy.org
Location: 2505 N 200 E, North Ogden, UT, United States
Phone: 801.827.0150
Facebook: facebook.com/MMAofUT
Twitter: @MMAofUT