The following is a post from Linda.
When it comes to grading, moms are more likely to go easy on their kids than other teachers are. But we need to be preparing our teens for the real world. College, technical school, or a job are all places where Mom will not be the teacher or boss. Places where people will not go easy on them.
Here are a few suggestions for grading your high schooler.
1. Use objective tests for core subjects. Most subjects will have some writing assignments involved which require subjective grading, but try to work in some objective tests too.
2. Use a writing rubric to grade writing assignments. You might not do this all the time, but it can be a useful tool for you and the student. You can find help with creating a rubric at Homeschool-Articles.com or Learn for Your Life.
3. Have other people evaluate writing assignments occasionally. Many times dads are able to look at their child’s work more objectively than moms. You could also ask a friend to take a look at an occasional writing assignment. Getting outside input can let you know if you are on track or off base with your grading.
4. Enroll students in classes where they will have a teacher other than you. Co-op classes, community college classes, or other homeschool programs are a great way to start getting your kids used to other teachers and tougher grading.
5. Grade hourly classes honestly. For classes such as P.E. where the course is determined by the number of hours, it is likely that your grade is very subjective. Be honest. Just because it’s P.E. doesn’t mean he/she should get an “A.” I consider how much effort a kid puts into the activities and what kind of attitude he has. Was it truly excellent?
The 10 Days Series is organized by iHomeschool Network, a collaboration of outstanding homeschool bloggers who connect with each other and with family-friendly companies in mutually beneficial projects.
Linda has three boys and has been homeschooling for over 15 years. Her oldest is now in college, the second graduates this spring, and her youngest is in 10th grade. She blogs about food at The Gluten-Free Homemaker.
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