For each unit, every student is given a Performance Monitor. (You can view a sample Performance Monitor online.) This tool is used in a variety of ways, as outlined below. Students choose the grade they want to earn for the unit by circling it at the bottom of the Performance Monitor. This is a constant reminder of the goal that they are working toward. The major concepts that students will learn, or outcomes that they will accomplish, are listed on the Performance Monitor so that expectations are clear. Students keep track of their own grade as it builds throughout the unit. They record each activity as it's completed, and they always keep the Performance Monitor at the front of their notebooks for quick reference. Students always know how they are doing. For each unit, students are also given an Activities List. This is a list of specific activities (both required and optional) that students will complete in order to accomplish each outcome. The activity title, the task that will be completed, and a point value are listed for each activity. If a student completes all of the required activities and revises all of them for the full points, s/he will earn a grade of "C." The student completes optional assignments to bring the grade up as far as an "A+." To see how this assessment model is implemented, go to the Implementation section. Small Planet Home Page Copyright © 2000 Small Planet Communications, Inc. 15 Union Street Lawrence, MA 01840 (978) 794-2201 planet@smplanet.com