Biology Standards and Rubrics

What will grading look like in this class?

In this class we will be using standards-based grading. This way of grading will help you know exactly what individual concepts and skills you have learned and to what level of mastery. A list of these standards and corresponding rubrics can be found above and on the science department website.

There will be at least one assessment for each standard in which you will receive a numerical score (0-4). This score will indicate your level of mastery (the levels of mastery are listed below). There are 21 essential standards and 18 supporting standards. Proficiency is considered a level 3, which is the level we want all students to reach on all essential standards. A student may go beyond proficiency if they can demonstrate knowledge and skills at a higher level. Any achievement above a 3 is outstanding!

Levels of Mastery

4- The student demonstrates an in-depth understanding of the material by completing advanced applications of the material.

3- The student has mastered the complex, targeted knowledge and skills for the class.

2- The student understands the foundational material that supports the targeted learning, but is still working to master the complex material.

1- The student is able to demonstrate an understanding of the foundational material with help from the teacher.

0- Not attempted or even with assistance from the teacher, the student shows no understanding of the material.

Letter Grade Conversion

All standards (both essential and supporting) will be added together and averaged. This numerical score will be converted to a letter grade using the grading scale and criteria below.

91.25-100% = A

87.5-91.24% = A-

83.75-87.49% = B+

78.75-83.74% = B

75-78.74% = B-

71.25-74.99% = C+

66.25-71.24% = C

62.5-66.24% = C-

58.75-62.4% = D+

53.75-58.74% = D

50-53.74% = D-

<50% = F

**A passing grade will only be awarded to students who meet proficiency (level 3) on all essential standards and at least a level 1 of mastery on all supporting standards.**

Assessments

Mastery of the standards will be assessed in a variety of ways (labs, projects, quizzes, etc.).

Students that do not earn a 3 for one or more essential standard or at least a 1 on a supporting standard on an assessment are responsible for demonstrating their improved level of mastery at a later time. Preparatory assignments such as reviews and notes as well as corrections on the original assessment may be required by the teacher before a "re-take" can be done to improve the initial score.

Besides during my prep hours and during ACP (3rd hour) I am also available before and after school most days to assist students in improving their scores.