Always Be:
Prompt
Prepared
Productive
Polite
Positive
Passionate
Most Important: Remember to try new things and to not worry about failure. The only way you can truly fail is by not trying at all.
GRADING POLICY
As we all know, for better or worse, grades are a part of the educational system. The ELA department at FSMS, as well other departments across the district, have been working towards a more student-centered approach to grading. This system is a skills-referenced grading system. For many students and parents, this is not a new system, but for those to which this is new (or for those who would like a refresher after a long summer break), we have outlined the system basics –
With the skills-referenced system, each language arts skill is broken down into clear expectations of what is necessary for mastery of that particular skill. The expectations are presented through rubrics. From these rubrics, scores will be generated for each skill. Students and teachers will work together to track progress, ensuring growth and development as the year progresses. If any assignment/project is not graded on a rubric and is instead graded on a numeric basis, it will be communicated with the students beforehand.
Rubric scores range from 1 to 4. A score of 1 is considered very limited, a 2 basic, a 3 satisfactory, and a 4 accomplished. For a more specific breakdown, please see the information below:
Teachers and students will use the 1 to 4 terminology when referring to scores. In the teacher’s online gradebook (TxGradebook), parents will NOT see the 1 to 4 scores for each evaluation. Because the reporting system for progress reports and report cards requires a numerical grade (60, 70, 80, etc.), parents will see their student’s average in numerical form. The following is a conversion scale (rubric to numerical):
1.0 – 60%
1.5 – 65%
2.0 – 70%
2.5 – 80%
3.0 – 90%
3.5 – 95%
4.0 – 100%
Students will be assessed for master of skills during any given unit. The Unit Test will be worth 25% of the students' grade. This is a summative assessment and is the ONLY assessment or assignment that is eligible for a retake.
Major papers and projects will be assessed based on a provided rubric that will equate to a 100 point scale (It is possible to get under a 60 on a major paper or project). Major papers and projects are worth 25% of the students' grade. Major papers and projects will mostly be completed during class time with some possible overflow for homework. Provided that students are using class time wisely, there is typically enough time to complete the major papers and projects during school hours. Major Papers and Projects are NOT eligible for retakes.
Students will be assessed over their grammar skills through a variety of formative assessments including quizzes, essays, practice assignments, etc... Grammar will be worth 20% of the students' grade. Grammar assignments are NOT eligible for retakes.
Developing Skills category in grade book which will contain skills that support the learning targets in each grading period. Developing Skills are worth 15%. This may contain practice assignments, learning checks, independent reading assignments, quizzes, etc. Developing Skills assignments are NOT eligible for retakes.
Students will be expected to read and annotate an independent reading book every six weeks. This is a book of choice, and students will have to complete an assignment or project over their IR book. Those assignments and annotations will be worth 15% of the students' grade. R&W grades are NOT eligible for retakes.
The question of retakes (retests) always becomes topic of conversation when grades are concerned. Retakes will be offered for any student who does not achieve mastery on the Major Assessment (3/90). One retake per formally assessed skill will be allowed each grading period. This retake will replace the Major Assessment grade up to a 90. Written pieces and projects that fall under any other category will NOT be eligible for a retake.
Students will be given 1 opportunity to retake any skill* on the Major Assessment to help improve their demonstration of mastery.
The Major Assessment may assess multiple skills we have worked on in class. Students may choose which skill(s) they want to retake.
Students may retake the Major Assessment with the opportunity to earn a replacement grade up to a 90 per assessed skill.
Students who receive a failing grade due to violation of academic dishonesty are NOT eligible for the make-up or redo opportunity
Students must schedule their retake during one of their teachers’ available times. Retakes may occur during lunch, after school, or during another previously scheduled time.
Per our district grading policy, extra credit assignments are NOT given in Language Arts.
Late and/or absent work also plays a part in student grades. The following policies are in place for 8th grade:
Students are expected to check Google Classroom prior to returning to class to see if there are any assignments they missed while they were absent. They are also expected to check in with their teacher when they return to school.
MAKE UP WORK POLICY: Making Up Missed Work Due To Absences
Students who are absent for any reason must make up the work they missed.
It is the student’s responsibility to check with each teacher the day the student returns from any absence to determine the:
Make-up assignments,
Specific dates for completing the work, and
Dates to complete any missed tests.
When a student is absent from class due to illness, upon his/her return, the student will be allowed one day for each day of absence to make up the assigned work and/or take a quiz/exam.
Previously scheduled assignments that were due on the day of the absence will be due on the day the student returns to school.
Previously scheduled quizzes/exams will be administered on the day the student returns to school.
The student is allowed one (1) day for each day of an absence to make up assignments and quizzes/exams scheduled during their absence.
One (1) day of make-up time is allowed for each day of absence (Example: 2 days absent - 2 days to make up work; 4 days absent - 4 days to make up work, etc.).
Any student absent from class due to extracurricular activities will be responsible for submitting missed assignments and taking any missed quizzes/exams on the first day of his/her return to class.
Students who miss class due to extracurricular activities are required to obtain assignments prior to the absence. The assignments are due the next time the student attends the class.
Obtaining Assignments:
If a student is absent due to an extended illness or EXCUSED absence (five (5) or more days) and wishes to get assignments before returning to school, the students and/or family may contact the classroom teachers to request assignments. *A minimum of two (2) days is needed to obtain work.
There may be instances when work is needed before an absence occurs (e.g. scheduled surgery). In order to obtain this work, a parent may submit a note to teachers explaining the reason for the absence and the dates of the absence. *A minimum of two (2) days is needed to obtain work.
Students who miss a due date have five days to submit late work at teacher discretion. Within that late time period, an 80 will be given in the Grammar, Developing Skills, Major Papers/Projects or Major Assessment. Students will also be able to complete missing or late work in Advisory during the five day grace period. ANY missing work that is not submitted by the end of the five day grace period will be, and remain, a zero.
For academic dishonesty or plagiarism, students will receive a 0 and a referral.
Students will have the opportunity to retake/redo the assignment or assessment for up to an 80 in Advisory.
Students may receive a Saturday School placement as a consequence of their academic dishonesty.