This page will answer questions commonly asked by students and parents.
- What are the binders/notebooks?
- What is the Citizenship section of the grading policy?
- What is WebGrade?
- How often are formal, printed progress reports sent home?
- Can work be corrected for more credit?
- How are grades determined?
- What are grade expectations?
- What is PearsonSuccessNet?
- What is the discipline policy of the classroom?
- What are Dummer Dollars?
- When are the class auctions?
What are the binders/notebooks?
Binders or subject notebooks are a requirment for each of my four
subject areas: Langauge Arts, Math, Science, History. Each
subject has its own speicific layout design. Students are
periodically checked using a set rubric. Binders are worth 10%
or entire letter grade for each subject!
What is the Citizenship section of the grading policy?
Students are expected to arrive to class on-time and ready to
particpate. Students lose points when they are tardy, unprepared
(forgotten books/materials/homework), and when they are
disruptive to the class environment. Citizenship makes up 10% or
an entire letter grade of each subject area.
What is WebGrade?
WebGrade is a secure online version of my grading program.
Parents and students are issued a Username and Password at the
beginning of the year. Parents and students may check WebGrades
as often as they like. I post grades to the system on a regular
basis. However, it should be noted that sometimes I may post in
the middle of grading assignments; thus WebGrade will show some
students as having missing work when really I just haven't
evaluated yet. Checking regularly and staying in communication
with your child will help keep child on top of all assignments.
How often are formal, printed progress reports sent home?
Hard copy Progress Reports are sent home once-a-month. Students
are
to have the coverpage signed and returned to school the next day.
Can work be corrected for more credit?
Yes, all tests, quizzes (except reading checks), classwork, and
most homework can be corrected. Tests and quizzes only recieve
half credit, but classwork and homework can be corrected for full
credit. Finals and end of unit evaluations are NOT correctable.
Work that is over ONE week old will NOT be re-evaluated.
How are grades determined?
Each subject has its own grading policy; grades are determined
for
that subject using the weights stated in each policy. See the
"Rubrics and Grading Policies" tab on this site for more
information.
What are grade expectations?
I use the stand grading policy. An average, grade-level student
score is a 75%; however, I do provide lots of oppurntity to pull
that % up to 85%. A score of 90% or higher (A work) is NOT a
reasonable expectation for the average student. A work means
that the student is performing two levels above grade level; work
is outstanding, exceptionally completed, and done with extreme
care and thought.
What is PearsonSuccessNet?
PearsonSuccessNet is a really great Internet resource for Math
and
Science programs. I use the site in the classroom on a daily
basis.
Students can use the Login information (given at the beginning of
the year)to access the site's features at home or in Study Hall.
Dial-up users--Be very patient.
What is the discipline policy of the classroom?
I use the "Love and Logic" philosophy. Please see the "Love and
Logic" tab on this site for more information.
What are Dummer Dollars?
I use Dummer Dollars as a monetary system for the classroom.
Students receive a monthly "paycheck" of $200. However, bonuses
and fines are implemented throughout the month. Students who
have trouble following rules, blurting out in class, forgetting
materials, etc. may receive a "fine". Students know in advance
what these fines are; when situations allow, students are given
the choice to pay the fine or do "community service" instead.
When are the class auctions?
We will have 4 (fall, winter, spring, summer) class auctions
throughout the year. Our first auction is scheduled for October
15,
2010.