How are grades determined?
English grades at Suffern Middle School are weighted. The categories are:
Tests/Projects 45%
Quizzes 30%
Classwork 15%
Homework 10%
What about late work?
I only collect assignments one day late with no penalty or guilt. Any assignments submitted after the one day grace period will be marked as a ZERO.
Is there extra credit?
No, there is not extra credit. However, students have the option to redo work for most quizzes, tests, and essays.
Why this option?
As adults, people often have the opportunity to finish or redo a task. For students, as long as delays or redos are not habitual, it is usually not a problem. However, this offer is rescinded if a student attempts the following: he/she has disregarded an essay or test until the last minute, attempts the assignment as an advance preview, and then plans to really work/study for it for the next week.
How does this option work?
The higher grade is recorded in the gradebook. Why is this? Think about the Department of Motor Vehicles. Imagine that you take your driver's test and earn 30 percent. After studying a bit, you return and earn 90 percent on the exam. You would then get your license, right? Well, if you averaged the two scores, you would not, and you'd have to struggle through a series of repetitive tests to finally be able to drive. (Research supported from: Wormeli, R. 2006. Fair Isn't Always Equal. Portland, ME: Stenhouse Publishers.)
What does a student need to do to use this option?
The student needs to set an appointment with Ms. Perrier during the Flex period for goal-setting for the redo assignment.
During that time, Ms. Perrier and the student will work on the attachment below, setting goals for the redo/retake and a timeline for the new due date.
The student will follow the goal-setting sheet to focus his/her efforts for studying and/or rewriting.