Grading Policy
I use a mixed weight and percentage approach to grading. The percentage breakdown is in line with the Science department grading system:
Tests and cumulative mid-term 50%
Quizzes and Portfolio 20%
Laboratory notebook and lab grades 10%
Assignments 20%
Total 100%
*Each semester grade is automatically capped at 100%. I do not curve. I do not drop lowest grade. I do occasionally allow extra work so long as your required work is completed.
Here is my view on grades – if you decide ‘just enough’ is enough then you will be happy with your resulting 'just enough' grade!
Decide to push yourself beyond the usual school effort.
Tests:
My tests are mainly recall with a little application and analysis – I do give multiple choice questions to help you prepare for college which is mainly multiple choice tests for this type of subject along with more difficult lab practicums. My approach to multiple choice is to design them to probe your depth of learning so prepare carefully and practice using your textbook. About 60% of the test will be level 1/2 (Bloom's) and the rest will be level 3/4/5 of Bloom's taxonomy - you can use the flip guide to help prepare. Email me if you don't know how to use Bloom's Taxonomy Question Stems.
I give 1-3 essay responses per test – these are questions that require responses of about 250 – 500 words each to showcase what you know. Essay responses really improve over the year if you keep working at them!
Test prep is best done as you go along, by filling out the outline or using the outline to create your own notes. Students who excelled in previous years have told me that they tend to spend about an hour a day, 6 days a week on A & P with an additional 2-6 hours before a test.
Portfolio Assessments
These are opportunities for students to dig deeper into a topic without the stress of a test date. Evaluation is by rubric and personal discussion with teacher. I will have at least one portfolio assessment and one group assessment project this year.
Tests and cumulative mid-term 50%
Quizzes and Portfolio 20%
Laboratory notebook and lab grades 10%
Assignments 20%
Total 100%
*Each semester grade is automatically capped at 100%. I do not curve. I do not drop lowest grade. I do occasionally allow extra work so long as your required work is completed.
Here is my view on grades – if you decide ‘just enough’ is enough then you will be happy with your resulting 'just enough' grade!
Decide to push yourself beyond the usual school effort.
Tests:
My tests are mainly recall with a little application and analysis – I do give multiple choice questions to help you prepare for college which is mainly multiple choice tests for this type of subject along with more difficult lab practicums. My approach to multiple choice is to design them to probe your depth of learning so prepare carefully and practice using your textbook. About 60% of the test will be level 1/2 (Bloom's) and the rest will be level 3/4/5 of Bloom's taxonomy - you can use the flip guide to help prepare. Email me if you don't know how to use Bloom's Taxonomy Question Stems.
I give 1-3 essay responses per test – these are questions that require responses of about 250 – 500 words each to showcase what you know. Essay responses really improve over the year if you keep working at them!
Test prep is best done as you go along, by filling out the outline or using the outline to create your own notes. Students who excelled in previous years have told me that they tend to spend about an hour a day, 6 days a week on A & P with an additional 2-6 hours before a test.
Portfolio Assessments
These are opportunities for students to dig deeper into a topic without the stress of a test date. Evaluation is by rubric and personal discussion with teacher. I will have at least one portfolio assessment and one group assessment project this year.