*There are 5 main standards (with smaller objectives) to be covered in our curriculum (Common Core State Standards-CCSS). One of the five is Speaking & Listening. I have been observing and making notes while the students work in small groups, have class discussions, working with a partner, etc. Every 9 weeks, the students start off with a 100 quiz grade for Speaking and Listening. Each time that a student is not focused on the task at hand, is talking to someone in another group, etc. I will take 10 points from that grade. They can't earn the 10 points back, but they can hold on to the grade that they currently have. I have talked extensively with the students about this, and they actually have notes in their binders. To look at the CCSS, you can look on our school website or Google CCSS for Mississippi.