Grading policy

I believe that all students are capable of acceptable work. A "C" is an acceptable grade. To earn other than a "C," you must distinguish yourself one way or another. You must do either more or less than is expected in quality or quantity. An acceptable, average grade can be earned by attendance, participation in class discussions and activities, completion of required assignments, and passage of exams and quizzes. Above average grades will be cheerfully given to students who do extra work that is above average. This will be demonstrated by thoroughness of daily work, attention to detail in your assignments, and electing to work on course materials, reading and research beyond the classroom.  http://www.vfw.org/yourtown/you_VoiceOf.htm 

Attendance

You have to be here to participate in class. Excessive absences indicate a problem. School is preparation for life. If you're serious about being here, ready to participate, and business-like in your approach to school, you'll show that you're ready to assume adult responsibilities. If you can not be here, or on time, then be prepared to give good account of your other responsibilities. School activities (field trips, sports, etc.) are always excused. Medical excuses are reasonable. There are other acceptable reasons to be gone, or tardy, but if they are habitual, frequent, and excessive, then we may have a problem. More than three absences per quarter will jeopardize your grade. Read and know the district's attendance policy. Absences may be made up by pre-approved tutorial time or ASB/Honor Society Study table attendance at the rate of 90 minutes per absence. This is FHS Department policy.

Make-up work

If you have an excused absence, work due is due when you return to class. Work missed will be due in as many days. If you were gone on Tuesday and return on Wednesday, work assigned Tuesday and due Wednesday will be due Thursday. (Ask if you have questions) If your absence is unexcused, there is no make-up.

Extra Credit? I generally don't believe in the concept, although I occasionally offer extra credit assignments to the whole class. A typical example would be to bring to class an article from a daily newspaper or periodical (e.g., Time, National Geographic) that relates directly to something we have explored in this course, and to share with the class your observations and learning.

Participation

One third of your grade. Add to class discussions, ask appropriate questions, be on task, be involved, be interested, contribute. I will make regular observations and notations regarding your level of participation. Your attendance will be reflected in your participation grade, which will be recorded periodically. Of course, there is a subjective element to this grade. Good advice would be to speak up in class, volunteer your reactions, discuss issues when called upon, respond to questions, bring relevant information to class. If you act like you're interested, you probably are. Interested students get noticed. Be noticed.

Completion of assignments, exams & quizzes

Daily work is one third of your grade. These assignments will include a variety of individual and group responses, lecture notes, reports, short essay responses, individual presentations, and short research projects. They will include internet assignments and email, or paper and pencil activities and oral presentations. Some will be graded with full, partial or no credit. Others will be graded for content on a straight graded scale. Turn your assignments in on time. Late assignments will not receive full credit. In some cases they may not be allowed. If you miss class, remember to do make-up work on time! I will not remind you. It is your responsibility to know if you've missed assignments. (Attendance IS important!) Tests and quizzes will be both announced and unannounced.

Projects

The final third of your grade. We will be working on a number of projects throughout the term. Some will be individual work, some will be group work. You should be willing to do both. Some will be long-term, some are relatively short.

It can be difficult to weight assignments to equal exactly one third of your term or quarter grade. I'll do my best to make that close. You'll do well to put forth your best effort on a daily basis, and to be here daily.