I work to keep grades as current and accurate as possible while also taking the time necessary to provide meaningful and fair feedback. Because much of the work in my classes is completed by hand and includes calculations, multi-step problems, written explanations, and laboratory work, grading can be time-intensive. Most assignments will be graded and entered into the gradebook within two weeks of the due date. Much of my grading is completed on weekends, particularly for larger assignments, labs, and assessments.
There may be times when grading takes a little longer due to the length or complexity of an assignment, school activities, or other responsibilities. I ask for some flexibility during these times, just as I try to provide flexibility and understanding to students when circumstances arise. Students will be kept informed about grading progress and when they can expect assignments to be returned or grades to be posted. My goal is always to grade work carefully and consistently rather than rush through student work simply to enter a score.
Please pay attention to the difference between a blank score and an assignment marked “Missing” in the gradebook. If an assignment has been assigned but has not yet been graded, the score will simply be left blank. A blank does not mean that the student is missing the assignment or has received a zero; it generally means that I have not yet completed grading that assignment.
If an assignment is marked “Missing,” it means that I do not have the student's work and the assignment was not turned in by the required deadline. Students and parents can use this designation to quickly identify work that was not submitted rather than work that is simply waiting to be graded. If a student believes an assignment has been incorrectly marked as missing, they should speak with me as soon as possible so we can look into it together.
Grades in science courses are calculated using weighted categories, which means that different types of assignments contribute differently to a student's overall grade. A student's grade is not determined simply by adding together all points earned and dividing by all points possible. Instead, assignments are placed into categories such as tests, labs, quizzes, and homework/classwork, and each category represents a specific percentage of the overall grade. This allows grades to more accurately reflect a student's understanding of course content while still recognizing the importance of daily practice, laboratory work, and preparation. The specific category weights for each course are listed in the course information provided to students and families.
Because grades are weighted, a test or other major assessment may have a greater effect on a student's overall grade than an individual homework assignment. Students should pay attention not only to individual assignment scores, but also to their performance within each weighted category. Missing assignments can also have a significant impact on a student's grade, particularly when multiple assignments are missing from the same category.
Progress checks are intended to provide students and families with a snapshot of the student's current academic standing. They are an opportunity to identify missing work, areas of concern, or improvements that may be needed before an official grading period ends. Because they occur during an active grading period, progress-check grades are not final grades and may change as additional assignments, labs, quizzes, and assessments are completed.
Quarter grades reflect a student's performance at the end of the quarter and provide an additional formal checkpoint during the semester. Students and families should use quarter grades to evaluate progress and determine whether changes in study habits, assignment completion, attendance, or preparation may be necessary moving forward.
Semester grades are the final grades for the semester and are calculated according to school grading policies. The semester grade reflects the student's performance across the entire semester rather than simply the grade earned during the final weeks of the course. Students are encouraged to monitor their grade throughout the semester and address concerns early rather than waiting until the end of a grading period.
Throughout the semester, student grades are formally reviewed at progress/grade checks, the end of each quarter, and the end of each semester. These checkpoints are important opportunities for students and families to review academic progress, identify missing work or areas of concern, and make adjustments when necessary.
Eligibility for athletics, clubs, activities, and other extracurricular participation is determined at each official grade check, quarter grade, and semester grade in accordance with school and district eligibility policies. Students who participate in extracurricular activities should pay close attention to their grades throughout the entire grading period rather than waiting until an eligibility check approaches. Students are responsible for knowing their current academic standing, completing assignments by their deadlines, and communicating with their teachers when they have questions or concerns about their grades.
Progress and grade-check grades represent the student's standing at that point in the grading period and may continue to change as additional work is completed and graded. Quarter grades provide a formal record of the student's performance at the end of each quarter, while semester grades represent the student's final grade for the semester and are recorded on the student's academic record. All grades and eligibility determinations are handled in accordance with established school and district policies.
If you have any questions or concerns please contact me at any time!
High School Phone #: (541) 473 - 3181 Email: whitney.tamez@valesd.org