Grades will be calculated based upon the percentage of total points earned.  In a total points system, category titles such as “essay” and “test” are used for the purposes of record keeping and communication; there is no assigned value to each category.  Each assessment will have a point value ranging anywhere from 5 points to 500 points—all of which are combined into the total.

à     Homework:

o    WILL NOT be accepted late when student is present.

o    Will be assigned nearly every night, including weekends.

o    May consist of reading, writing assignments, grammar, vocabulary, studying for a quiz or test.

à     Essays and Creative Writing Pieces:

o    Will be assigned with an accompanying RUBRIC!

o    Will go through multiple drafts.

o    Will be self-assessed by the student using the rubric throughout the writing process.

o    Will be stored in the writing folder.

à     Tests and Exams:

o    Will conclude major units of study.

o    Will assess major unit objectives and solicit responses to essential questions.

à     Quizzes:

o    May be a SURPRISE—while most will be planned.

o    Are assessment tools and thus some will count (summative) and some will not (formative).

o    May be comprised of vocabulary, grammar, reading comprehension, literary terms, etc.

à     Participation:

o    Involves every facet of student performance.

o    Includes preparation for discussions and positive interaction with classmates.

o    Requires a willingness to share ideas and respond appropriately to multiple points of view.

o    Will be self-assessed periodically and negotiated between the student and teacher.

Make-up Work:

à     It is the student’s responsibility to see me and acquire the assignments he or she missed.

à     It is also the student’s responsibility to make up assignments in a timely manner.

à     If a student is absent one day, the homework assignment needs to be handed in within two days.

à     If a student has an unexcused absence on the day a major essay or project is due, the essay or project must still be turned in order to receive full credit.

à     If a student is absent for a longer period of time, we will arrange a schedule for the completion of the missed work.

à     If a student does not meet with me and assignments are missed as a result, the student will receive a zero for any missed assignments (including tests and quizzes).

à     Tests and quizzes need to be made up no later than a week from the student’s return.

Extra Help:

à     I will be available after school daily until 2:30 and later by appointment when necessary.

à     Students are expected to make an appointment with me in advance.