Frequently Asked Questions: This page contains answers to common questions of students and parents.
- Why do you assign an "F" for work a student misses when he/she is absent?
- Can I turn in work late for partial credit?
- Do you offer extra credit?
- How do I get my work when I return to school with an excused absence?
- Where do I turn in make-up work from my excused absnece?
- How do I make up a test that I missed?
- Can I correct my homework and/or tests?
- How is my Language Arts grade calculated?
- How is my Reading grade calculated?
- I know make-up work has been turned in, why do I still have a "0"?
Why do you assign an "F" for work a student misses when he/she is absent?
I do not assign any grade to a student who is absent. As I enter grades for
the class for assignments that have been graded, I leave the grade for the
absent student blank. The grading program (that we are mandated by the
state of Tennessee to use) labels this as a "missed" assignment and
gives "0" credit (which makes sense because the student has not turned in
the assignment) and "0" credit is equivalent to an "F". However, when the
student has completed the assignment and it is scored, I will enter the
grade into the blank assignment space.
Can I turn in work late for partial credit?
Unfortunately, no, unless the student has an excused absence. At the
begining of the school year (and in previous years) I have accepted late
work for partial credit, because I know that OCCASIONALLY everyone forgets
something. This system became so abused and the "late work" grades were
outnumbering the "on-time" grades; it also became too difficult to manage
efficiently given the amount of "make-up" work that needed to be graded.
Do you offer extra credit?
YES! Each week, students are encouraged to write their spelling words for
the week 10 times each. This counts as 10 extra credit points added on to
the student's weekly test grade. An additional extra credit spelling
assignment is given each week using the spelling words--usually proofreading
exercises. This assignment is also worth 10 extra credit points that are
added to the student's weekly spelling test, for a total of 20 points per
week.
Student's are also encouraged (but not required) to read Accelerated Reader
books for book reports and projects in reading. When the book has been
read, students can take the AR test in the library and earn 20 extra credit
points to the final book report/project grade.
How do I get my work when I return to school with an excused absence?
All spelling assignments are written on the assignment posters in the front
of the classroom at the begining of each week. Therefore, if you miss later
in the week, it would be a good idea to have the work completed when you
return to school since you alread know the assignment. If we complete a
worksheet or work from a workbook, it is usually in the "make-up work"
folder for your class period or it will still be in your workbook in the
basket.
Where do I turn in make-up work from my excused absnece?
Place all make-up assignments that were missed due to an excused absence in
the red folder on the dry erase board in the front of the classroom that is
labeled with your class period. Make sure your name and the assignemnt are
on each and every paper that you submit.
How do I make up a test that I missed?
If you have an excused absence, I will send the test to Mrs. Duncan's
homework room. Homework room is open from 7:30 until 1st period each
morning. You must make arrangements in advance with me so that I have time
to locate the particular test and send it to Mrs. Duncan.
Can I correct my homework and/or tests?
If you score lower than 80 on any homework or test you may correct your work
for one-half credit up to an 80. Homework corrections must be made in the
classroom when assignments are returned. If you do not have enough time to
complete corrections in class, you may return the paper to me and I will
send it to Mrs. Duncan and you can complete the corrections in hommework
room (see above for homework room information). All tests must be corrected
in homework room. When tests are returned to students graded, the student
wishing to correct a test paper must return the paper to me to send to Mrs.
Duncan. When all corrections are made, you can either put it in the
red "make-up" folder if completed in class, or submit it to Mrs. Duncan in
homework room.
How is my Language Arts grade calculated?
All spelling, grammar and most writing assignments are averaged for a final
Language Arts grade. Each category receives the following amount of
consideration for the final grade:
Grammar Homework - 20%
Spelling Homework - 20%
Grammar Test/Quiz - 30%
Spelling Test/Quiz - 30%
How is my Reading grade calculated?
The Reading grades are comprised of reading comprehension tests, vocabulary,
reading skills, and projects. Each category receives the following amount
of consideration for the final grade:
Reading Homework - 25%
Reading Projects - 25%
Reading Tests - 50%
I know make-up work has been turned in, why do I still have a "0"?
I do not grade make-up work daily. It is usually graded at the end of the
week and entered into the grading system sometime the following week.
Therefore, it is very likely that you could receive a progress report that
shows "missed" assignments for work you know you have completed and turned
in. If you ever have a question about a grade I encourage you to ask me
(not grill me) about it. As careful as I try to be, I do make errors (human
flaw) in marking papers and entering grades.