Grading Policy

Student learning will include both formative and summative assessment. While the distinction can be complicated, these two kinds of assessments are used for the following purposes:

• Formative Assessments are essentially “practice.” (0 percent of your grade)

1. Ongoing throughout a unit
2. Used to provide students with feedback regarding progress and help me make decisions about teaching and instructions.
3. Not graded (if they are, it is only to provide feedback to the student).

Formative Assessments may include: Observations, class discussions/debates, exit slips, homework*, journals/written responses.

• Summative Assessments are essentially the “sum” of the formative assessments. (100 percent of your grade)

1. Only given after a student has practiced and given appropriate feedback
2. Graded

Summative Assessments may include: Quizzes, tests, essays, projects, homework*.

* Notice that HW may be given as a formative or summative assessment, depending on whether it falls under the criteria given above.