Habits of Work and Eligibility
Several years ago, North Haven Community School adapted a series of 21st-Century Learning Skills into a new assessment system called Habits of Work (HOW). The HOWs were differentiated across the entire K-12 grade span to evaluate students and provide feedback on various skills such as working independently, respectful behavior, and engaging in active listening. At one point, HOW scores were included in report cards and used to determine eligibility for extracurricular activities.
A few years ago, the school transitioned from proficiency based grading to the more traditional system we have currently. The HOWs were also abandoned during this transition. In the last couple of years, staff observed a need for overall growth in areas related to students' work habits. We decided that a way to capture this information and evaluate work habits was necessary, and that these skills should align with the NHCS core values of Challenge, Compassion, Competence, and Community.
In the process of researching potential ideas, we re-discovered all of the hard work staff had already done around the HOWs over the last several years. The various skills that make up the HOWs were also conveniently matched to the 4Cs. We therefore decided to revive this same process rather than reinvent the wheel, so to speak, with one key difference: all students will be accountable to this process regardless of prior honor roll status or participation in extracurricular activities. Although all students will be assessed according to the HOWs, only students participating in extracurricular activities will be required to complete eligibility forms.
As indicated in the linked HOW evaluation cycle, data collection for an upcoming cycle begins on Monday. Teachers make note of student work habits throughout these two weeks, assessing work completion and other skill areas as indicated in the checklist. As the end of the two week period draws to a close, teachers input data into a spreadsheet, evaluating students in each skill area on a 5-point scale, with 1=Never and 5=Always.
For instance, "Prepared and on time for class," a teacher will assign a 1-5. These scores translate to numerical values, which are then used to determine eligibility. Across all of the HOWs, if a student earns an average of 4, that translates to an 80%, which is a passing score. If a teacher feels as if they do not have enough information to make an assessment on a certain skill area, they will leave it blank and it will not be calculated into their overall average.
Teachers will discuss HOW results with students and propose strategies for improvement. Additionally, students can also take the initiative and seek out teachers to determine what must be done to improve their performance. For eligibility, HOW and academic scores will be recorded on a handout that students receive, which must then be brought home and signed by a parent or guardian. The form should be returned the next day so that they can be submitted to advisors, who will then submit all forms to the Athletic Director.
We recognize that this shift will seem abrupt and challenging for some. But this kind of accountability framework is essential to student success and productivity. Additionally, the behaviors listed in the HOWs are oftentimes strongly correlated with positive outcomes and meaningful school experiences.
To assist all stakeholders in this process, here are links to the two-week HOW evaluation cycle and a checklist of all the HOW skills as they correlate to our 4Cs.
We thank everyone for your assistance as we implement this process.
North Haven Community School
7 DEC 2023