There are at least three major summative grades each nine weeks (worth a total of 60% of the nine weeks grade). One of these grades is a district-provided common assessment of some kind, usually with both a reading and writing component. The exception is the final unit of the year; there is no district common assessment during Unit 5. Final grades will be determined by averaging the two nine weeks grades together for 80% of the semester grade, and a final exam for the other 20%.
In addition to the minimum of three major grades, there will be at least six minor summative grades each nine weeks. These may include writing responses, journal grades, discussion participation grades, presentations, and so forth.
Each major and minor grade is aligned with the unit goals and standards as set forth by Denton ISD. Students will have 4 school days to make up a failing grade once the class receives their grade/feedback, and they must do so during Ms. Jalufka's tutorials (held Mondays and Thursdays from 4:25 - 5:15 PM). Because we are committed to mastery as a school and a district, students will have the opportunity to make up any grade between a 70 and an 89 within 4 school days for a maximum of a 90. This encourages and rewards students for additional practice and revisions while making sure students do not become overly fixated on individual points in prior work. Important exception: portfolios and other extended assignments where there have been multiple opportunities for feedback will not be eligible for revisions. This is aligned to the DISD grading policy.
If absent when work is completed in class, students are expected to attend after-school tutorials with Ms. Jalufka within three school days to complete the required work. If students are absent when a major grade is due, students must turn in their assignment on the day they return to class. This applies to both paper and digital assignments. If students are absent when a minor grade is due, students must turn in their assignment within three school days. This applies to both paper and digital assignments. Any assignment turned in after the above guidelines will be considered late and can earn a maximum of a 90.
Late work is defined as any assignment not turned in within 2 hours of its due date and time. For example, if an assignment is due at 11:59 PM on Canvas, it is considered on time if turned in at 1:28 AM. However, if it is turned in at 2 AM, it is considered late and can therefore receive a maximum of a 90. Please refer to the absent work policy for additional late work guidelines.