Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
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What are the student's responsibilities when they're absent?
An absent student is responsible for looking at the corresponding homework page on our class website or Google Classroom for what work was missed.
Missing paper worksheets can be found in the bins in the back of the classroom. Online work should be turned in through the corresponding Google Classroom.
If there were notes given in class, find a classmate's notes to copy.
You will have the number of days you are absent to make up the work.
How is homework graded?
In both classes, homework assignments are graded for completion. There needs to be 100% effort, but we're all learning and will make mistakes, so homework is not graded for correctness.
1 = assignment was not completed and is missing
Math:
4 = pictures of 2 different assignments that show all the assigned problems with work.
3 = pictures of 1 and half of an assignment with work for all the assigned problems.
2 = picture of only 1 assignment OR no work is shown for all the assigned problems in 2 assignments
Science:
4 = every activity must be completed in the unit (Interactive Notebooks) or every question must be answered (lab or worksheet)
3 = missing 2-3 activities (Interactive Notebooks) or missing 2-3 question responses (lab or worksheet)
2 = missing half the activities or question responses
How are tests graded?
In both classes, tests are graded based on the standard(s) being assessed. If one test has multiple standards on it, each standard will be graded separately. The scale can be seen in the SMS Grading Scale below.
Math Test Example: the Area & Surface Area Test assesses 2 content standards and 1 mathematical practice (MP) standard. There are a varying number of questions related to the 2 content standards and responses to all the questions will contribute to the MP standard grade. So this test will be given 3 different grades based on students' responses.
6.G.01 Find the area of triangles, quadrilaterals, and polygons by composing or decomposing into other shapes; apply these techniques into the context of solving real-world math problems
6.G.04 Making nets for 3-dimensional figures and using them to find surface area
6.MP.7 Look for and make use of structure.
(Source: https://www.cde.ca.gov/be/st/ss/documents/ccssmathstandardaug2013.pdf )
Science Test Example: the Weather Test is a Claim (C), Evidence (E), Reasoning (R) written response where students answer a question using evidence provided or evidence from their interactive notebooks to show their understanding of the standard below. This test is also given a writing grade based on the California Common Core Writing Standards.
MS-ESS2-5 Earth's Systems: Collect data to provide evidence for how the motions and complex interactions of air masses results in changes in weather conditions.
MS-ESS2-5 Earth's Systems: Collect data to provide evidence for how the motions and complex interactions of air masses results in changes in weather conditions.
(Source: https://www.nextgenscience.org/pe/ms-ess2-5-earths-systems )
Writing Standards for Literacy in History/Social Studies, Science, and Technical Subjects 6–12:
1. Write arguments focused on discipline-specific content.
a. Introduce claim(s) about a topic or issue, acknowledge and distinguish the claim(s) from alternate or opposing claims, and organize the reasons and evidence logically.
b. Support claim(s) with logical reasoning and relevant, accurate data and evidence that demonstrate an understanding of the topic or text, using credible sources.
c. Use words, phrases, and clauses to create cohesion and clarify the relationships among claim(s), counterclaims, reasons, and evidence.
d. Establish and maintain a formal style.
e. Provide a concluding statement or section that follows from and supports the argument presented.
(Source: https://www.cde.ca.gov/be/st/ss/documents/finalelaccssstandards.pdf )
SMS Grading Scale
Another way to understand the grading scale:
How are late and absent homework graded?
Late and absent homework will receive full credit as long as it is done completely.
In Trimesters 1 and 2, late and absent homework will only be accepted up until Week 12 of each trimester.
In Trimester 3, late work will only be accepted up to a week after it was due. After a week, the grade will not change. For each day absent, the student will have that many days to make up the missed work.
Are there RETAKE opportunities for in-class standards-based tests?
YES! If a student has received less than a 4 (Standard Met) on a core content standards (not mathematical practices) they can take another test on the same standard after they have:
1. Revised the mistakes on their original test (ask Ms. Kim for help on what they missed/didn't understand if needed)
2. Studied for the test (ex. in math, have done similar practice problems on a separate sheet of paper or in science, have rewritten the answer paragraph)
3. Scheduled a make-up test day during AST if a day has not been set already
"How-to" help for students
How to upload pictures to Google Classroom
Adding Chromebook photos to Google Classroom
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