Need help with record keeping!!!

[coco2]

Does anyone have any tips for how to stay very organized and keep records for each child? This is my weakness!!! I am a
K-4 science teacher and have about 100 kids a day. Many of the things we do are projects, experiments, exploring etc. What to do??

[teacher5]

:shootme: Don't shoot yourself! I assume you have to issue a grade and/or narrative comment about each child's participation, performance, and ability to comprehend the subject matter. I would design a universal rubric that could be used with each activity. If you have to issue a number grade or convert it into a letter, each part of the rubric can have a value of 0 to 4 or 5 so when you add up the points and times it by 4 or 5 to equal 100. This might be your template: Heading info: Name of Activity, Student Name, Date. Then give 1 or zero points for stating the question correctly. Next section could be called Prediction: If they make one plausible predictions based on prior evidence and sound scientific knowledge give them two points. If it is a prediction and not so sound, give it one. No prediction, none. Observations: give four points if they recorded three or more different observations, three points if they recorded two observations, and two points if they record one observations and 0 points for none. Next evaluate following steps in the procedure to test or experiment. The students can prove this by having a list of the steps and a check off box. If they submit the check list with all steps checked they get 4 points, some checked 3 pts., one or two, 2pts, and none, no points. The next section can be called Use and Handling of Equipment: 4 pts for getting, using, cleaning, and returning all equipment, 3 points if one of these three items are not done properly, 2 points if two items are not done correctly, and 1 point for one. Then next section can be Conclusions or Outcomes: Based on their observations, I found out if ......, then ..... If it is stated in this format with good scientific language and clarity 4 points, 3 points if it lacks just a bit, 2 if it needs more explanation, but shows some understanding, etc. The last part could be verifying the results. When I repeated the activity I found out, .... (the same thing) (This time ...) I hope you have an aide or assistant or the classroom teacher is there with you when you do the lesson. Let them do some of this record keeping. You will need to keep each one of these in a file folder for each child. You will need to record the grade in your grade book. But this kind of evidence is undisputable at parent teacher conference time. Oh, by the way, make sure the kids are aware of this so they can strive for top ratings and discuss how you can get a top rating in each category. You will need to keep all 100 file folders in a plastic filing tub, if you don't have a file cabinet.

[dsmms]

I make a file for all 137 of my students. Any paperwork, communications, IEP info, office referrals or documentation of any kind can do directly into their file. This is a very basic strategy, but one it took me a few years to find out about. If a question arises, I have their their folder to refer to.

I hope this helps.