GRADING POLICY

80% of the student grade will come from the following activities:

Participation- A student will receive 5 points a day. Points will be deducted if he/she is not prepared (no pencil, paper, or binder with book), talking during instruction, not paying attention, or dion any activity which will hinder his/her or another student's learning experience. If a student is absent, he/she will lose his/her participation points for that day if the absence is not excused.

PODs- (Problems of the Day) At the beginning of each class, students will copy problems off the board. He/she must answer and explain each problem. Throughout the nine weeks, 4-7 PODs will randomly be selected and graded. These problems hlep students prepare for LEAP and iLEAP.

Homework- This is an opportunity to practice skill and reinforce concepts taught in the daily lesson. Homework is usually give every night (except Fridays) and should only take 10-15 minutes to complete. Each homework assignment will be checked. Homework is not checked for accuracy. However, every problem must be attempted! A student will receive a "4" if directions have been followed and every problem has been worked/attempted with work shown, a "2" if directions have not been followed and/or at least half of the assignment is attempted, or a "0" if homework is not completed/attempted at all or if work is not shown. Students MUST show work to get any credit, NO exceptions!

Graded Classwork, Worksheets, and Projects- At least one graded worksheet or project will be given within each unit. Some worksheets and projects will be completed within groups.

Quizzes and Tests- Within each unit, there is at least one quiz and test. Periodically, students will be allowed to correct tests, not quizzes, for partial credit.

20% Exam

At the end of each nine weeks, there will be a cummulative exam worth 100 points.

ABSENCES

When a student is absent he/she must ask a classmate for that day's assignment. There is an assignment folder where handouts can be found. For every day a student is absent, he/she has one day to make up the work. If a student is suspended, he/she will receive a "0" for that day's participation grade. If a student is absent the day of a quiz or test, he/she will take the quiz or test the day he/she returns. Arrangements can be made so the student takes the quiz or test before school. Again, it is the STUDENT'S RESPONSIBILITY to make up any missed assignments or assessments.

CLASS RULES

1. Respect everyone and everything in the classroom.

2. Be prepared for class (binder and pencil).

3. Follow directions the first time they are given.

4. Do not eat or chew gum/candy in the classroom.

5. Adhere to behavioral rules outlined in the student handbook.

(I do allow my students to bring a drink to class as long as the bottle has a "screw top" cap.)