Yay Grades

The short version...

In order to pass this course, students must do two things.

1.) Pass each major assessment with a grade of at least 70%. For my course, this is usually a collection of about 7 major unit tests, each concentrating on one or two main science competencies. A student who does not pass a major assessment the first time is required to take it a second time. The maximum score for a second attempt is 80% for the first time a unit test re-take is required. The maximum possible score will be 70% if a retake is needed for a 2nd (or 3rd or 4th....) major unit test.

2.) Earn an average of at least 70% for the entire course. Besides the major assessments, other work, such as projects, HW, and labs, is sometimes graded, which can influence the overall course grade.

A little more background...

Yes, I am obliged to determine a number that somehow represents your total experience with the course, specifically with regard to your ability to demonstrate particular skills and use particular ideas.

Yes, you get to earn and receive a number that somehow represents your experience with the course.

Don't get me wrong, I am not totally against making such an overall assessment based upon a collection of formally and informally collected data.

However, people are often confused about what exactly determines a grade. What if you work very effectively with others, but often can't clearly demonstrate that you understand important science ideas? What if you just don't try very hard, are sometimes sort of surly, but consistently show on tests that you know your science? What if you tend to get B's and you are unwilling to try changing any of your learning habits? What if you don't really do your homework, but often add to the class by asking interesting on-topic questions or bringing up news that you've heard or weird ideas you've been mulling over? While I will always encourage and expect you to treat each other well and to work productively and consistently, your GRADE will be determined by your demonstrated science skills, ability to explain ideas, and abililty to solve problems.

So, how do I determine your grade?

Physical Science, Chemistry, and Physics Courses:

Each course has a specific set of course competencies, usually about 6-8 of them. The details for each course can be seen by clicking on the links on the left side of this page.

Your course grade is 100% determined by your demonstrated abilities with the competencies.

Typically, a major test and/or project is the main opportunity for you to demonstrate the competencies. Tests and projects typically require an understanding of the science gained through hands-on lab work, class activities, and straight-forward problem-solving practice.

Lab work, class activities, workshops, smaller quizzes, etc. are also opportunities for you to show your abilities, so these can also influence your course grade. Most often, however, the primary reason for these activities is to give you a chance to become skilled, so they are more learning opportunities than they are assessment opportunities.

Quite reasonably, I will typically be working throughout the year with students to help them develop the habits that will give them the best chance at being successful learning science. Often, this will focus on the basics: actively participating in class, consistent effort, making use of the extra help that is readily available, and re-trying assessments in a timely manner when necessary.

Want to see your current grade information? Click here to go to your PowerSchool account.