So this is my first slice. It’s a little nerve-wracking to put my writing “out there” for more than just my students. It took me a few years to get used to writing in front of them, so I’m giving myself some time to get used to writing for you. (I think I’ll try a month….). : )
This is progress report time, which is always overwhelming for me. Since I started teaching over 30 years ago, I spend so much time collecting data, examining it, creating new data points, giving those…. Wash, rinse, & repeat! Why?
I believe I do this for a few reasons. One is that I don’t “trust my gut”. I know which kids struggle and which succeed. I know which kids have met the marking period standard. And yet, I sat for almost 7 hours today reaffirming “my gut”. Luckily we no longer use letter grades in elementary, so that does make it feel better. I hated when my students would earn Bs, Cs or worse. When I was a second grade teacher, using letter grades felt so harsh. I don’t think I would like it any better now, as a fourth grade teacher.
I think the second reason has always been, “What if a parent questions the progress reports? What proof do I have?” And inevitably, someone does. I look over my notes and scores and piles of data so I can tell the parent that x or y is the reason their child did not score as the parent anticipated.
So what does this really mean? Does it mean that after 30 years I still don’t feel like I know what I’m doing? Yep. And these last handful of years have just kicked my butt, personally as well as professionally. But I think I’ll save those stories for another day.
Thanks for reading!
LindaG.
Teachers Write 
LindaG., it is great meeting you. I remember when I was a newbie TWT/SOL writer. It may seem to be “a little nerve-wracking to put your writing “out there” but you will see that this a community of writers with such love for writing and sharing of work. We are all here to hone our skills and celebrate lifelong writing.
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Hi Linda! Thanks for sharing this! I always seem to have that same feeling about “trusting my gut!” I feel you about the grading!
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Participating in this challenge can be quite scary, especially if no one has read your words before. But I think you will find that this community is like a big warm, welcoming hug. By the time it’s over you will wonder what you were nervous about! Welcome to slicing.
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Ugh, assessment is so tricky! Every year I find myself tweaking it more and more as I reflect on what I’m really measuring, how, and if my how is measuring what I think it is!
Welcome to the challenge! You’ve just become part of an incredible community, and I hope you’ll stay with us on Tuesdays after March ends! Blogging will completely change you as a teacher of writing! 🙂
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I’m so glad you are writing with us!!!
Also – what a great reflection of progress reports too – I always feel that pressure too … and it’s been awhile since I’ve done them. I’ll be doing math progress reports though now … so I’m feeling those same feels!
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I’m so happy you are writing with us! It’s so brave to share your words with the world. I was feeling a little hesitant, too! Glad to be on this journey with you!
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Welcome! I really enjoyed your writing! I love how you combine reflection with humor. These lines in particular resonated with me: “I know which kids struggle and which succeed. I know which kids have met the marking period standard. And yet, I sat for almost 7 hours today reaffirming “my gut”. ” I think these are true of so many of us. Thanks for articulating the reality!
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Linda, You had my attention after reading your title for your post today. I am a classic overthinker so I can empathize with your predicament of grade reports. Please continue to share your writing with us, it might even be cathartic for you to put your thoughts down on the screen. This is a wonderfully supportive community! I think you’ll find that out very quickly. Welcome! I’m glad another “overthinker” is here! ~ Carol ~
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I’m so excited to be on a new journey with you…even if it’s only for a month!
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