Grading Policy
50% Major grades (quizzes, tests, or essays)
30% Quiz grades
20% Daily grades (homework, classwork)
20% Mid-term or Final Exam
The lowest grade may be dropped if appropriate classroom procedure is followed.
Extra credit may be earned by writing reviews of new books in the library. See Mrs. Torrefranca for
instructions. Only one book review per semester is allowed for extra credit. Occasionally, extra credit
options will be given as a class assignment.
Make-up Policy
The make-up policy is on pp. 12-13 of the Mustang Manual. In general, it is the student’s
responsibility to make up any work missed. Students have one day to make up work assigned on the
day they were absent. If and assignment was given while the student was in class, it will be turned in
on the day of the student’s return to class. If the student is absent on school related business, the work
should be made up or turned in prior to the absence. If the student exceeds the time permitted, he or
she may receive a zero on the assignment. Any long-term assignments are due on the assigned date
with no exceptions. I schedule tutorial appointments for my students in the mornings from 7:45-8:15.
Late Work
No late work will be accepted. If a student is in school at any time on the day an assignment is due but
fails to submit it, that assignment will be considered late and will receive a zero.
Essays
Essays composed in class as timed writings will be evaluated holistically following the rubric for the AP
Language Exam or SAT Exam. Emphasis will be on content and organization. Your mantra should be,
“Style and substance!!”
Essays composed outside of class will be evaluated on the basis of the following criteria: (1) originality
and thoughtfulness of the ideas expressed; (2) the logical structure of the essay’s body; (3) the overall
coherence of the content as well as paragraph unity and coherence; and (4) the effective use of
transitional devices between and within paragraphs. These essays will be graded for mechanics and
form as well. A rubric will be provided. Essays are also due on the assigned date. Late essays will not
be accepted.
Classroom Management Information
Unless the assignment given is specifically designated as group or
partner work, students will not be allowed to work collaboratively in or
out of the classroom.
