Grading Scale

A+ ~ 100%

A~ 99-90%

B~89-80%

C~ 79-70%

D~ 69-60%

F~ 59% and below

Grading Policy

Grades are not weighted in any subject, however, tests and quizzes are often worth significantly more points than regular classroom assignments. Some assignments may also be graded for completion. This will be indicated in the grade book. Student may redo assignments, the new and old grade will be averaged. 

Reading:

IReady Reading is the adopted basal text for our school. Please see the mind map where you will find what topics are covered in fifth grade. I adopt an approach to reading instruction called Balanced Literacy. This approach allows me to provide flexibility to students. Reading material will be a combination of fiction and non-fiction texts, both whole group and small group instruction (guided reading). These guided reading groups are developed to meet individual needs based on data from IReady Diagnostic, STAR, and other classroom assessments. 

Students will receive grades based on completion as well as their performance on activities. Students will also complete assignments and “exit tickets” as we move through lessons. “Exit Tickets” are a formative assessment used to check student understanding of new material. Students will complete a quiz/test at the end of each unit. 

Language Arts:

There are three main writing genres that students will use this year. These include persuasive, informative, and narrative. The grade students receive will reflect the process of each of these genres and will also include handwriting, conventions, and the writing process. A rubric with defined objectives will be used to grade all essays. Students will also complete “exit tickets” as we move through lessons. These are a formative assessment used to check student understanding of new material. 

Students will have weekly grammar lessons. Each week they will complete a variety of activities including notes, IXL, and task cards. Each Friday students will have a quiz over the grammar concept from that week.

Math:

Math instruction in 5th grade will be provided by Mr. Culbreth. Ready Math is the adopted Mathematics program and will be used for most instruction. Grades in Math will be determined based on point accumulation throughout the semester. Students will participate in both whole group and small group instruction. Small group instruction is based on data from iReady diagnostic and other classroom assessments. In small groups, students are able to receive re-teaching and more individualized instruction and guidance. 

Math grades given will reflect activities completed in the following areas: Computation,  Number Sense, Algebraic Thinking, Measurement, Data Analysis and Geometry. Students will also complete assignments and quizzes as we move through lessons. 

Science & Social Studies:

Students will alternate units of social studies and science. Some areas of topic are the STEM design process, working with others, understanding how the body works, United States History and Geography and the Economic system. 

Grades will be determined on understanding content and contributing to the class discussion. Students will also complete assignments and “exit tickets” as we move through lessons. “Exit Tickets” are a formative assessment used to check student understanding of new material. A quiz/test will be given at the end of each unit.

Health & Computer Science:

Students will cover content in these two areas. Most of computer science will come from the understanding of everyday technology and their application on independent tasks. This is rated on a 1-4 scale as determined by the classroom teacher (& Tech teacher for computer science). Health is also rated on a 1-4 scale, mostly based on healthy lifestyles and hygiene.

Parent Portal

Please visit your account on the PowerSchool Parent Portal often to check your child's grades. I try to update grades at least once a week.

Curriculum

James Cole Elementary  and the Tippecanoe School Corporation follow the Indiana State Standards.

 Make-up Work

For everyday missed, the students will have one day to make up all work they missed while they were absent. If a student is going to be absent a parent is welcome to come and pick up all make-up work for that day. Please call ahead so that all work will be ready.

Late Work

It is important for students to complete all assigned work, so that they can master all of the 5th grade standards. Students will be encouraged to check their grades and for missing assignments every week on the Parent Portal.  It is my goal help students develop responsibility and foster independence and organizational skills. As students progress through school and into the professional world, these are essential skills. The online gradebook can be a powerful tool for students and parents to use together, tracking grades, and checking for missing or late assignments. While parent involvement is essential, the responsibility for late or missing work ultimately falls to the student. It is up to the student to take the necessary steps to make-up work and improve grades. Extra credit and assignments will not be given to improve grades.