Frequently Asked Questions: This page contains answers to common
questions of students and parents.
- How is my grade calculated?
- How often will I find out my progress in the class?
- Why is it that I can do well on a test and my grade doesn't change?
- Why is it that I do so poorly on the tests? I take good notes!
- Do you give out extra credit?
- I really don't like social studies; why should I care?
- When taking notes, should I attempt to write every word?
- How often do you give projects out?
- What will happen if I fail to turn in a Spring Project?
- How important is my Spring Project?
- Why do you say not to pay too much attention to the October/March report card?
How is my grade calculated?
Grades are calculated by adding up the number of points earned and dividing
that number by the amount possible. For example, if you have earned 5,000
points and there has been 6,500 points possible you would have a grade of
76.9%, which rounded would give you 77%.
How often will I find out my progress in the class?
Weekly and if you have a progress report-something that can be picked up
every Friday morning by the start of school, then you can find your exact
progress in detail.
Why is it that I can do well on a test and my grade doesn't change?
Just as a hitter in baseball can have a good game and his batting avereage
remain unchanged, so too can your grade.If you ever believe that a grade is
not being calculated correctly, keep track with grade tracking sheets,
available in the classroom.
Why is it that I do so poorly on the tests? I take good notes!
You may, but do you comprehend what you are writing down? One of the most
commonly-heard pieces of advice that I give students is to read, question,
and study.If you do that, you will do fine, and not just in my class.If you
only do one or two of those things, then your chances of success dip
considerably.
Do you give out extra credit?
Sort of. Extra credit is usually something that is given for those who want
it sporadically and more often for the freshmen.College courses typically
don't give out extra credit.CMA is a college prep school.
I really don't like social studies; why should I care?
Every degree that is given requires social studies credits.In Michigan, it
is now required to pass three years worth of social studies classes.
When taking notes, should I attempt to write every word?
Of course not, and the sooner you realize that the better off you will be in
all classes.You cannot write down as fast as the teacher is talking, so get
the gist of what is said.
How often do you give projects out?
Once a year, and you will have between two and three months to complete the
project-ample time.
What will happen if I fail to turn in a Spring Project?
Due to the value of each project being rather high, your failure to turn in
a project will most assuredly hurt your chances at earning a desired
grade.You may indeed fail the class.All projects allow for a minimum of four
weeks dedicated to completion, so there is no excuse for not having it
completed.
How important is my Spring Project?
Depending on which class you have, the project ranges in value from 500-900
points. This can be about 15% of your final grade.If you do a poor job, then
it can have a harmful effect, but if you do well, it can lift your grade
up.The main thing to bear in mind is not to wait until the last minute.If you
do, then your paper will show it.
Why do you say not to pay too much attention to the October/March report card?
These report cards are a statement of where you are in the class at a given
point,but are nowhere near as important as the January/June report cards,
which are your final grades.