93-100% A    90-92% A-

87-89% B+    83-86% B      80-82% B-

77-79% C+    73-76% C      70-72% C-

67-69% D+    63-66% D      60-62% D-

<59% F

Grading Beliefs

Every day we are judged or graded on most everything we do. I believe that when a grade is earned in a class, it is a reflection of the information, concepts, and mastery of the topics you have learned on a given subject. The amount you learn depends upon you – your effort, desire, and willingness to embrace the challenge of learning the material. My role as your instructor is to create opportunities to help this process along. There will be a variety of methods and opportunities along with feedback in order for you to master the material. Your final grade depends upon the degree to which you have mastered the material that is presented.

Determining Your Grade

HOMEWORK (10%) – You will be given a variety of assignments during each unit to help you master the content of that particular unit. Types of homework will include activities such as worksheets, problems. crossword puzzles, maps, group discussions, in class activities, etc. You are expected to come to class each day with your homework completed so that you can participate in the day’s activities and stay on pace with the material. If the assigned practice work is not completed, you have the opportunity to work in my classroom during lunch or during your study hall in order to complete this portion of your grade.

LABS (20%) – This portion of your grade included computer lab work or activity in the classroom. The lab will have a written component in the form of a paper, document analysis, or completion of an activity. A portion of a lab assignment is how well you manage your in-class time that is given to you.

ASSESSMENTS (70%) – You will have many opportunities during each grading period to demonstrate your mastery of the content. What are these opportunities? They will be in the form of quizzes, tests, projects, and presentations.

Each assessment will consist of three levels of questions. First-level questions will include vocabulary and basic terms from that unit. Completing all the first-level questions on an assessment correctly will earn you a C. Second-level questions will consist of application questions that will require you to apply level-one information to a variety of problems. Completing all of the second-level questions will earn you a minimum of a B-. Third level questions consist of application questions that have not been specifically addressed in class. These questions will require application of first and second level information. Completing all of the third level questions correctly will earn you an A.

If, after completing an assessment, you feel that your level of knowledge was not accurately reflected by your grade, you may discuss possible alternative methods of assessment with me. If I feel that an assessment score is unacceptable, I will ask you to create a meeting to discuss the reason for your lack of mastery. You will be given the opportunity to devise a plan of study in order to master the material and retake the assessment. Assessment retakes must be completed within 3 class days of the original assessment and the final decision as to whether a retake is warranted rests with me.

A comprehensive final exam will also be given at the end of each term.