What is "Mastery Learning" and how does it work?
In my classroom, your assignments are based on a set of standards or learning objectives that describe what you should know how to use by the end of the course. "Mastery Learning" means that in order to move from one standard to the next, you must demonstrate that you have mastered the first standard.
In practical terms, this means that every assignment that is part of a specific standard must not simply be completed, but completed at a level that allows us to say that you have mastered that level. As a result, you will have multiple opportunities to submit your assignment, receiving help for improvement each time, with the result that you are able to submit work of which you are not only proud, but work that reflects your successful learning.
In practical terms, this means that every assignment that is part of a specific standard must not simply be completed, but completed at a level that allows us to say that you have mastered that level. As a result, you will have multiple opportunities to submit your assignment, receiving help for improvement each time, with the result that you are able to submit work of which you are not only proud, but work that reflects your successful learning.
How is my work graded in mastery learning?
Great question! When you submit your work it will be evaluated and rated in one of these four ways:
Any work with a rating below 3 will receive feedback and help and be reworked before being submitted again (without penalty). If the new version reflects an improvement to a level of 3 or higher, then the work is considered mastered and you will move on. Yes, if it is still below 3, you will receive further help and an opportunity to resubmit it again.
- Below expectations - a rating of 0
- Approaching expectations - a rating of 2
- Meeting expectations - a rating of 3
- Exceeding expectations - a rating of 4
Any work with a rating below 3 will receive feedback and help and be reworked before being submitted again (without penalty). If the new version reflects an improvement to a level of 3 or higher, then the work is considered mastered and you will move on. Yes, if it is still below 3, you will receive further help and an opportunity to resubmit it again.
What kind of assignments will I have to complete?
Each unit will have three main points of assignment.
At the end of each term, you will have an opportunity to take the IC3 test for that term's work. Successfully passing all three of the IC3 tests by the end of the year will be required to receive an "A" for the year.
- Labs and quizzes (30%)
- Unit projects and major tests (40%)
- Daily Grades (30%)
At the end of each term, you will have an opportunity to take the IC3 test for that term's work. Successfully passing all three of the IC3 tests by the end of the year will be required to receive an "A" for the year.
A few other things to consider...
- Videos: To help you learn outside of class as well as inside the class, each unit has a video that will help you understand the key information needed to move toward mastery of the material in that unit.
- Independent learning: This is an honors course and you will be expected learn how to do solid research and learn independently as well as pay attention in class.
- The Pacing Guide: This is NOT a work-at-your-own-pace course. The pacing guide will show you a bare minimum pace at which you must work to finish the year. It is highly recommended that you work ahead because some units will take more time than others and you may be absent at some point along the way.
- Class time: The time you spend in class is considered lab time. You will need to use every minute of class time to complete your work. I will be available to give feedback on any assignment as well as provide individualized help for any student. Other students in the class can help you as well.
One last word about grades
Well, it's actually a few words about grades.
- Work that is not mastered by the dates set on the pacing guide will be given a grade based on the level of mastery AT THAT TIME. This means that if your assignment was rated at a 1 because it was well below expectations, you will receive a 0 for that grade in TEAMS Gradebook and Student Self-Serve. When you are given a rating of 3 or above, that 0 will change to reflect that increased level of mastery.
- A rating of 0 = 0%
- A rating of 2 = 75%
- A rating of 3 = 90%
- A rating of 4 = 100%
- Unit tests will be given weekly at the end of class on Wednesdays/Thursdays depending upon whether you are on an A-day or a B-day schedule. While you will be allowed to retake the test if you fail it the first time, your failing grade will be entered into the TEAMS Gradebook and Student Self-Serve.