Grading Policy
Success for everyone
In the last two years, I have instituted a policy in most of my classes
in which a student must earn a "C" (70%) or better to pass.
I feel, and most parents agree, that a "D" grade simply indicates insufficient
performance or achievement for success, and we want you to do better than
that.
There are two important parts to this policy.
1. Standards of achievement - no more graduating with inadequate
skills.
2. A plan for those who need help - This plan is the key to
your education. If you are at risk of or falling below 70% , you will need
to get busy and get serious. This means sitting down with me and
possibly your parents and working out a plan for your success.
Together, we will assess your particular problem, whether it is with the
material or with the work load. Then we will provide you with whatever
you personally need to be successful. That's a promise! I care
too much to allow you to fail. (unless that is what you want.
Then, of course, it is your choice; I can't care more than you do.)
Scoring issues
I rarely give tests -- mostly we participate in projects and daily assignments.
Grades in my classes are usually weighted in categories.
A category might consist of such factors as: journal responses, participation,
tests, homework, projects or in-class assignments.
A typical distribution might be: 25% journal responses,
65% in-class assignments, and
10% participation
Each task is evaluated as to what percentage of the total possible has
been achieved. A variety of assessement tools are utilized.
The best is when you and I conference and agree on a grade you've given
yourself. Others include teacher and student designed rubrics and
plain old counting up the number correct. A figure is entered into
my grading program which calculates the weighted categories and averages
them appropriately. Progress reports are handed out every two weeks.
You can request one anytime, but since I keep my grades at home, I may
need until the next day to bring it to you.
Make Up and Extra Credit
You are responsible for all missed assignments. Often you can get these from class mates or from me before or after class. I can usually be flexible regarding due dates, but be sure we both know when an assignment is expected. Rule of thumb: if you're out three days, you have three days to turn it in. If an assignment was given well in advance of your absence, you are still responsible for the due date. Being absent on the day a research paper is due, will not give you another day unless you have made previous arrangements.
You may request an extra credit assignment only if you have no missing assignments, and you are close to a grade cutoff.