Overview: Grading, Student Expectations, & Scope 2013-14
Jamie T. Sowell, Mathematics, SWCHS
jamies@swasco.net, Room 104
Grading Policy
90%-100% = A, 80%-89% = B, 70%-79% = C, 0-69% = I
The total percent will be made from assessments (80%), final (10%) and homework
(10%).
Students will need two notebooks for class. The 1st notebook will have notes and
vocabulary. The 2nd notebook will have homework. The homework notebook will be
handed in for grading when homework is due. Students can redo and correct/edit
homework for a better grade until the day before the test for that section.
Students have an option to list their names on the proficiency list when they pass a
proficiency. Grades can be printed out to allow students to view their current grades and
see missing work. Parents/Guardians can request to see current grade printouts at
anytime by calling, emailing, or stopping by.
Student Expectations
1) Be prepared for class. This includes being prepared with materials and being prepared
mentally.
2) Respect others. This means respecting the teacher and students verbally, physically,
and their property.
3) Obey all school rules. This means everything from obeying the school’s cell phone
rule to the school’s tardy policy.
Credit by Proficiency
What is Credit By Proficiency (CBP)?
The goal of credit by proficiency is to make the students accountable to demonstrate real
learning rather than simply accumulate points to earn a grade. Therefore, the student must
meet all 12 standards below to pass Pre Algebra. In the “normal” classroom a student
could fail many of the assessments and still meet the minimal point requirements to pass
the class. This could leave “holes” in the student’s math education that would continue to
hurt the student in later math classes since math builds on itself. Therefore, if students do
not learn these skills now, then they will find math more difficult every year.
What is the teachers responsibility in CBP?
The teachers responsibility is to provide meaningful high-level instruction using a variety
of instructional strategies that allows for multiple opportunities for students to
demonstrate proficiency in the concepts being taught. Students are ignited by the fact
that every classroom activity and homework assignment is preparation for demonstrating
their proficiency in a particular standard (aka no “fluff” assignments). Students are
assigned a letter grade (A, B, C, or I) for each task based on the level of demonstrated
proficiency. If a student receives an “I” grade the student will be required to continue
working on the task until proficiency is demonstrated. This allows the students to take a
more active role in their learning.
If students need to pass every proficiency, then how do they get an A, B or C?
To get an A the student must demonstrate proficiency or mastery on all skills with more
mastery than proficiency. All skills include higher cognitive questions such as story
problems and more conceptually difficult problems. This also includes a correct response
and clear communication but does allow for minor computational errors.
To get a B the student must demonstrate proficiency or mastery on all essential skills.
Additional skills show revision, proficiency, or mastery, with more proficiency and
mastery than revision.
To get a C the student must demonstrate proficiency or master on all essential skills.
If a student doesn’t like their grade, what can they do?
Complete the homework on a regular basis to help prepare for assessments. Remember,
no homework is “busy” work in this system. In fact a student can always ask the teacher
which proficiency this assignment is working toward. Ask questions in class. Retake
tests and quizzes and/or do quiz and assignment corrections. All that I ask about retaking
tests and quizzes is that the request is in writing with three components.: 1) What
assessment is to be retaken. 2) The date and time in which the retake will occur. 3) What
will the student do to study for the retake (be specific)? Meet with your teacher outside
of class to get additional help and to demonstrate improved skills.
At what point should a student be concerned that they have fallen behind?
The student should be consistently working to maintain proficiency or above on all skills.
If a student receives an “I” at progress report time, then they are behind. An “I” grade
counts as incomplete and is treated like an “F” grade. This system makes the students
more responsible for their progress in the class since they know all of the proficiencies
for the year and how many they have become proficient at all times. The teacher will
discuss the students’ progress with an individual student and/or parent when requested by
email, phone or in person.
What if the student doesn’t test well?
If tests are difficult for a student, then he/she will need to work on that skill. My hope is
that this system removes some of the usual stress of a test; since they can retake them and
already know what proficiencies they will be tested over. However, if the student still
has difficulty with a test, they can arrange a time with the teacher to talk about some
strategies to try.
What are the proficiencies for your class?
Look at Mr Sowell’s webpage for those.
If you have any questions please email, call, stop by or write on this letter. Email is my
preferred form of communication.
Date:________
Student’s signature_________________ Parent’s signature_____________________