Miss Amole’s Grade Rationale
Spectra of Science
2013-2014
In this class, students will be learning several concepts in the fields of Physics, Chemistry, and
Astronomy. Students will be expected to complete all assignments to the best of their ability by
the designated due date. Students will receive at least one recorded grade each week. Work
eligible for grading may include but is not limited to: tests, quizzes, notebook checks, daily
questions, homework, class work, labs, projects, and class participation.
Grade Computation:
Assignments will be given a point value based on its length, importance, and level of difficulty.
For example, a short homework assignment may be worth a total of 10 points while a test may be
worth a total of 100 points. To determine the percent equivalent of any graded assignment,
simply divide the total number of points earned by the total number of points possible, and then
multiply by 100. For example, if a student receives a 12/15 on a class assignment, then the
students received an 80% on that particular assignment.
Example:
12 ÷ 15 = 0.8 x 100 = 80%
Current averages and quarter grades will be determined by adding the total number of all points
earned on all graded assignments and dividing that total by the amount of points possible.
Example:
Assignment
Score _
Homework Sheet
43/50
Lab Write-up
20/20
Test
75/100
____________________________+________
138/170
138 ÷ 170 = 0.81 x 100 = 81%, which is equal to the letter grade of B.
Xenia Schools Grading Scale:
Students’ letter grades will be determined from their earned percentage in accordance with the
following district grading scale.
90% - 100% = A
80% - 89% = B
70% - 79% = C
60% - 69% = D
0% - 59% = F
Students will be expected to keep track of their own current averages so that they are aware of
their own grade standing at anytime. Parents and students with internet access are also
encouraged to visit Progress Book often to aid in monitoring their grades.
Exams:
In addition to all other class assignments and tests, students will complete a cumulative Mid-term
Exam at the end of the first semester and a Final Exam at the end of the second semester. These
exams are not eligible for any exemptions as they will show a true picture of students’ learning
and retention for the content taught. Exams will be worth 10% of the students overall semester
grade.
Semester and Final Grades:
Each of the nine weeks’ quarter grades will contribute 45% to the overall semester grade. Each
semester exam will complete the remaining 10% to the overall semester grade. To compute the
semester grade take the percentage of each of the quarter and multiply by 0.45 (for 45%). Next,
multiply the semester percentage by 0.10 (for 10%). Add all three products together to obtain the
semester grade.
Example:
First Nine Weeks: 79%
Second Nine Weeks: 85%
Mid-term Exam: 90%
79 x 0.45 = 35.55
85 x 0.45 = 38.25
90 x 0.10 = 9.00
+
82.8 % B
The final grade is the average of the two semester grades:
Example:
First Semester: 82.8%
Second Semester: 77.4%
82.8
77.4
+
160.2 ÷ 2 = 80.1% B
Extra Credit:
Optional extra credit opportunities will be available throughout the year. These extra credit
opportunities may come in the form of any of the following:
 Correctly answering additional questions on assignments
 Completing additional work approved by the teacher
 Not using an emergency pass or having a lack of tardies, detentions, and other
disciplinary actions
 Other forms determined at the teachers discretion
Students who have not completed all original class assignments or chose not to participate in any
extra credit opportunities provided by the teacher throughout the grading period will not be
eligible to receive any additional extra credit.
Cheating:
Evidence of cheating will result in a grade of zero for all participants involved (givers AND
receivers). Other disciplinary action may also be taken. A student is considered to be cheating if:
 Students exchange papers
 Students verbally give or receive answers
 Students communicate in any form during a test or quiz
 Students possess any form of written information during a test
Late Work:
An assignment is considered late if it is not completed to the best of the student’s ability at the
beginning of class on the date it is due. An assignment will be eligible for full credit if completed
by the beginning of class on the due date. Students may turn in a late assignment the following
day for half credit. No credit will awarded for assignments turned in two or more days after the
due date.
Attendance and Make-Up Work:
Parents, please make sure if your student is going to be absent that you call the school before
7:00 AM. When returning from an absence, the student will be responsible for obtaining any
missed work or assignments that needs to be made up from the teacher and weekly homework
board. The student must get all missed work the first day back from an absence and will be given
the same number of days to make up the missed work as the number of days he/she was excused.
If the student is absent on a testing day, they need to schedule a time approved by the teacher to
make-up the test within the allotted time period as well (such as during a study hall, before, or
after school).
Please understand that a missed day in class is a lot missed!
*Also see Board Policy located on the Xenia High School website.*
Contact Information:
Please feel free to contact me if you ever have any questions or concerns. I prefer to
communicate primarily via e-mail as I am able to respond more quickly using that method.
Email: bamole@xenia.k12.oh.us
Phone: (937) 372-6983