Grading Details

1) Grades are calculated by points earned divided by points possible, multiplied by 100 to get make a percentage. For instance, 123 (points earned) ÷ 147 (points possible at that time) x 100 = 83.37% B. The letter grade cutoffs are:

2) All points are the same. One point on a test counts the same as one point on a worksheet, chapter review, lab project write up,lab productivity, test prep outline, quiz, or final exam - anything.

3) 8th grade science is a year long course divided into 2 semesters. Each semester is a seperate grade. We begin the second semester fresh, with no carry over penalties nor makeup opportunities from the first semester (not a 0%, not 100%, but a blank slate / fresh start). The only grades we keep in our records are the seperate semester grades.

4) Each semester is divided into 3 six week long interim marking periods. After each 6 week interim marking period closes, we send home a report card with the student assigning a letter grade for their progress to date in the course.

5) There are 2 Open OutLine Comprehensive Finals - one at the end of each semester, each worth 1/4 of the semester grade.

6) At any point parents / guardians / students can email me requesting an individualized eMail grade report, detailing missing assignments, category performance, grading period, & semester summaries. Class pdf summaries can also be founf at the link at the top of this page by looking up the student's computer password in the period they have science. I'm also happy to send email pdf attachments or snail-mailing hard copies of individualized reports if you email me or call me (206-463-9168 ext.104) requesting such. Please specify what type of information you are interested in receiving - detailed lists of assignment scores, category summaries, overall summaries, or what combination thereof.

7) Letter grades and percentages reported in 8th grade science are overall course grades.

8) Tests will be ~ 60 points on average, comming ~ every seven class days (1.5 weeks). That's about 3 tests during a 6 week interim marking period. Each test will usually have 4 WorkSheets used in preparing for the exam. Chapter Reviews at the end of each chapter in the textbook are extra credit, but outlines are required.

9) Class/HomeWork consists of WorkSheets linked on their DUE DATES on the Syllabus. Class/HomeWorks are worth ~ 1/2 as much as the test they are used to prepare for. Answers/Notes/Resources (ANR's) for each assignment are also posted on each Syllabus due date, to be used for correcting assignments, and adding explaination and clarification to test prep notes and outlines. The entire packet of student corrected Class/HomeWorks, Notes, & TestPrep OutLines are handed in on test day, and together are worth ~ as much as the test they cover.

9) Each WorkSheet is worth 6 points, and will be graded { + / check / - } on completetion / quality of effort. A simple list of correct answers would be worth 2 points, a printout of the WorkSheet filled out mostly correct, but lacking class notes and corrected mistakes would be worth 4 points, and 6 points would be earned by a completed WorkSheet printout with all mistakes corrected. A zero is earned for not having the assignment in any form on the due date. Each Chapter Review part A or B will be worth 5 XC points. Total Class/HomeWork points for a chapter will be ~ 24 points. Copying WorkSheet questions by hand off the screen earns an extra credit point (see section below). {note:worksheets can, but do not have to be, printed at home, or the McMurray Library before or after school, or the Vashon King County Library. Students also have acccess to 10 internet stations in class every day to copy from by hand for extra credit, or print whatever they need on their own on the teacher / weather station behind my desk. These lab resources are available for student use every day before school & during lunch, and after school Mondays, Fridays, & Saturdays during Saturday Schools (which Lopez, Kammert & I schedule ~1mo.)

10) Up to 24 ANR points 20 & OutLine points are earned during each chapter by incorporating notes & explainations of material presented in class and posted online to aid in preparing for the test (6 per assignment). All test prep materials - corrected Class/HomeWorks, Class Notes, and Test Prep OutLines - are handed in before each test on the day of the test. Late materials are 1/2 credit.

11) Lab Project WriteUps come in many different timespans and degrees of difficulty. Their point values and descriptions of how points are earned are detailed in each Project Description link in the right frame of the website home page. All the project points available in an interim marking period are calculated to approximately equal the number of test points for the same period (tests~homework/notes/outlines~projects). Late Lab Project WriteUps generally lose 10% per day late.

12) Lab Productivity Credits are 3 points per lab day { + / check / - }. Deductions are made for off task or disruptive behavior, & / or lack of a good faith effort that day.

12) Extra credit (XC) points are available ONLY if ALL assignments are completed and done to (70% C-) levels of quality (not including tests, which can not be taken again). Students are free to re-do class work to this quality expectation after due dates if they handed in below par assignments earlier, and now wish to earn extra credit. The points earned by both versions will be averaged togther, but this opportunity is available only one time for each assignment (no infinite do-overs).

13) One Extra Credit (XC) point is awarded for each early Class/HomeWork StudyGuide WorkSheet (2.1, 2.2, etc). Chapter Review A's & B's are worth 5XC points each if written out completely (full questions, correct answers, and ANRs). Project / Lab WriteUps easrn a 10% early bonus.

14) Extra Credit Quality Points are available on Class/HomeWorks and Projects as well. One for each WorkSheet written out longhand (questions + answers), and 10% for each typed Lab Project WriteUp.

15) Extra Lab Project WriteUps are usually available, for up to double credit. See the individual Project Description links for details. Providing additional TestPrep work (GES OnLine Quiz or June Final Chapter Component completed correctly) is worth another 10XC points each.

16) Attendance is not graded, but Lab Productivity points can't be earned for a missed lab. Lab Productivity (3/day, + / check / - ) points can be made up if student arranges to stay to work after school on Mondays or Fridays from 2:30pm - 3:30pm, or to come early any day 7am - 7:30am (2 morning sessions = 1 lab), or on Saturday Schools from 9am - noon (equal to up to 3 lab sessions, assuming the Saturday School date falls before the writeup due date).

17) As per the McMurray Student / Parent Handbook, students are responsible for knowing their assignments before leaving for an advanced absence (errand / trip / sports / appointment, etc.) & being prepared for class upon their return. Students are entitled to one makeup day for each day absent due to illness before past dues are considered late. The Syllabus and Project Description Links on the course website will provide all necessary information for the entire year (currently through the end of October).