Holding Students Accountable!

As the middle of the year approaches, I like to reflect on how I am holding students accountable.  Here are my TOP 3 ways for holding students accountable for their learning (especially when it gets tough mid-year with all the craziness happening!)

#1.) 100% Participation with White Boards

I love that every student in my class has a white board that they use to show their work, etc... and I have found that this works so well to measure student understanding.  I always have the students get these out after teaching a concept so that I can pose a question, have the students work it out on their white board, and finally hold their boards up (OR compare with a neighbor.)  I have added a NEW element that I am REALLY excited about because it gives me more insight into my student's learning.  I have the students write a number in the upper right corner of their board so they can express their level of understanding.  This really notifies me of how the students are feeling about a topic and who needs help!

Understanding Analysis Scale

4-Strong Feeling of Understanding

3-Somewhat Understand

2-Slightly Confused

1-No Level of Understanding

 #2.) REDO Slips

I hate handing back quizzes/work with things marked wrong and then often students just forget about it and stuff it in a folder.  I made these redo slips so I can attach them to work that I want the students to RETHINK, fix and return.  This also sends a message to the students and their parents that this is an EXTREMELY important topic that they need to focus on.
These can be found in my Upper Grade Teacher MUST HAVES File Cabinet!
Click HERE to be taken to this product.

#3.) Agree/Disagree Signs

Finally, I always have the students use hand signals when someone answers a question!  This way, students can agree/disagree and the discussion is promoted and extended.  However, instead of the students using the thumbs down signal, I have them make a horizontal slicing motion with their hands.  It is more distinguishable than the thumbs down signal!  If you would like a copy of the reminder posters, click on the link below!

Do you have any additional tips for keeping your students accountable?

I would LOVE to hear them!

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