Grading and Homework Policy

Reading, Language Arts, Social Studies, and Religion

Students are assessed every day through observation and participation. This is referred to as informal assessment. Projects, quizzes, written assignments, and performance assessments are examples of formal assessments. I either calculate the percentage correct or apply a number system when evaluating student work. The number system I use is comparable to the number system used to track effort and conduct grades as described on the report card. A number score of 4 = outstanding achievement; 3= satisfactory; 2= needs improvement, and 1= unsatisfactory.

LANGUAGE ARTS

Several mornings a week, students are exepected to complete morning work to reinforce grammar and writing concepts. Participation and effort grades will be affected for any students who need frequent reminders to complete their work.

GRAMMAR

• Class participation (includes morning work) 30%
• Grammar check-ups, reviews 50%
• Application in composition 20%

COMPOSITION

• Writing pieces 100%

SPELLING

• Quizzes 80%
• Homework 10%
• Application in composition 10%

VOCABULARY

• Quizzes 70%
• Writing responses 20%
• Homework 10%

RELIGION

• Quizzes (including take-home chapter reviews) 60%
• Reflections, projects 30%
• Participation 10%

SOCIAL STUDIES:  

The focus is United States geography. Students will become familiar with physcial and climatic features, as well as notable landmarks and national parks. I use a variety of assessment techniques, more of them informal (i.e., in-class projects, responses) and less formal (quizzes, tests).

• Portfolio (organizing, storing, and reflecting on class work) 20%
• Quizzes 40%
• Homework 10%
• In-class check-ups, learning logs 20%
• Projects 10%

Reading:  

I want to provide a balanced literacy experience. This consists of:  

1. Reading stories from the basal (big reading book) as well as discussing and applying reading strategies as a class.

2. Independent reading & monitoring. Students read books individually at their level. The instructor periodically checks his/her progress.

3. Fluency practice.

4. Guided reading. A small group of students work with the instructor in this brief, but intense instructional period. The group of students read the same passage together. The instructor provides clarification and reinforcement strategies.

• Book review (one per term) 10%
• Homework 10%
• Independent and center work 30%
• Quizzes 50%