Your grade will be based on a percentage of the accumulative points earned.  Points will be given for the following evaluation methods:

1. Tests and Quizzes.  30% of your grade. Tests will be given at the end of the units.  You will also be given a pretest which will only be used for pre-evaluative purposes.  I will usually prepare a study guide for you.  Quizzes will be given anytime I feel you need to review some material or I need to know what you have learned.  I may ask you to retake a test if I feel you need to.  I will then average the two grades together.  This will not happen if you just didn’t study for a test.  Retakes are done on your own time, possibly before school, after school, or during seminar.  You are responsible for scheduling your retake if I indicate that you have that option.

2. Daily Homework.  30% of your grade.  I expect you to read the materials assigned to be read and complete any assigned work on time.  I usually have a pre-reading activity, give a reading assignment, have a class discussion, and then give a written assignment.  Daily credit will be given for homework completed satisfactorily and handed in on time.  Most daily assignments are due at the beginning of class.  Completing assignments during class is not acceptable and will be considered a late paper.  Late work will reduce your points earned by a whole letter grade.  Ex.  If you would have had an A, you will receive a B.

Daily assignments will be grades as follows.  Most assignments will have a value of 25 points no matter how many points possible.  An A grade will be work 25 points, a B grade 22.5 points, a C grade 20 points, a D grade 17.5 points and an F 0 points.  There could be values in between the letter grades for plus or minus points depending on the length of the assignment and my consideration of your abilities.  You may politely question my reasoning.  If I agree with your reasoning, I may give you more points.

3. Writing Assignments/Special Projects.  30% of your grade. These assignments will be given individual point values and will have specific formats to follow and will have their own rubrics.  Some of the written assignments will be assessed using the Six Trait Writing Model.  Again, late written assignments will be reduced a letter grade each day it is late.

5. Discussion/Participation.  10% of your grade.  Usually a weekly participation grade will be given.  I encourage you to give and active and positive contribution to our class activities.  Each week you will be given 10 points for participation.  You may lose these points if you neglect your responsibilities or abuse your privileges.  Be prompt and prepared for class and show consideration for others.  Refer to the Privileges and Responsibilities handout.

Your grade in % will be equal to the total points you have accumulated for all assignments times 100 and divided by the total possible points.  I will round grades up on your class grade.

I do not give extra credit assignments.  You need to be responsible for completing the initial assignments.  Occasionally you will have an opportunity for extra credit on tests or activities.