Grading Policy

This is a modified program. Some work is based on each student's abilities. Most work is modified in one way or another to suit the needs and learning style of our students. If a student shows effort and completes and turns in their work, there is a high likelihood of success.  If students were present in school but turn in assignments late, partial credit is given. Every five weeks I give an opportunity to make up any missed work. After that time, assignments from the previous five weeks can no longer be made up.

As we learn new things, we tend to practice them together first. Not all work completed will be graded as some work is completed together or with a high level of support. Once students have had an opportunity to practice a new skill or learn new content, there will be some type of graded assignment.

Everything is graded using a point system based on the difficulty of the assignment and the time and effort needed to complete it.  Daily assignments will range from 5 to 20 points. Quizzes and tests will be worth between 25 and 50 points depending on the amount of content covered. Long-term projects and writing assignments may be worth up to 100 points. Students will always be able to see the point value of an assignment in the Google Classroom, and I will email updates to parents and guardians regularly. If there is ever any question about a grade, please don't hesitate to ask. 

In my English classes, we will be working throughout the year on a cumulative portfolio of student work. Assignments in the portfolio will be graded as the year progresses. At the end of the year, rather than a final exam, students will be graded on the overall completion and quality of their portfolio project, an additional reflection piece of writing, and a presentation of their portfolio. 

In my social studies classes, we will be working throughout the year on an Enduring Issues portfolio project. There will be deadlines throughout the year that must be met, and each Enduring Issue section will be graded at those deadlines. At the end of the year, rather than a final exam, students will be graded on the overall completion and quality of their Enduring Issues project, an additional writing piece related to the project, and a presentation of their learning.