First Algebra Test

Today, after days of delaying and rescheduling due to the protests and need for review, I gave my first test in Algebra (grade 8). I had grades for the students going into the test (thanks to a fellow teacher for recommending an archaic but useful program, the school is still trying to get their system set up, I think it will take some time). Being gentle, I would say the grades were less than ideal.

In one class of 10 students, I had one "B" and the rest were "D's" or "F's". I was starting to second guess myself and the job I was doing. The other class had better grades, but they were still low (the second class is a stronger class, the divide them into a weak class and a strong class, so much for inclusion). I gave the test and then the grades for the weaker class, the students were very worried because I told them any grade lower than a 75% would result in me emailing their parents.

I was grading the first classes tests while the second class was taking their tests. I was astonished how good they were and when I put them into the system, the grades shot up (for the most part). I now have 3 "A's", 2 "B's", 2 "C's" and 3 "F's". Now, it is also important to note that tests account for 40% of the grade, so a good score can really help out tremendously. I was happy because the students did so well. Previously, the homework was the main component of the grade, and most of the students were either missing homework or had some low scores that brought the grades down.

I even had one student, who at the beginning of the year I felt would be very weak, get an "A" on the test and is currently within a few more good grades of an "A" in the class. I am so happy for this turn of events. Unfortunately the scores in the second class were not as strong. I am particularly upset with one girl whom I discovered was cheating on the exam.

I give three versions of the exam and rotate the rows that receive each version. When I was grading this girls test, I noticed that 4 problems towards the end looked familiar and did not match up with anything that was on her test. I started looking through the other keys and noticed that she had copied from one of her neighbors because her answers matched the answers from the other test exactly. I am going to speak with her on Monday about this.

I did receive email addresses from some of the students, but not all of them. I can actually get these from the office, but I want the students to be responsible. I'm going to send emails out starting Monday to inform the parents where their child sits in my class and the options available for tutoring and extra help. For some of the students, I have already discussed this. Most say they cannot make it because they have to get home and have no other way. By involving the parents, hopefully I can put some pressure on the students.

Aaron