CLASSROOM PROCEDURES & GRADING PHILOSOPHY

(All of the following information is explained to students and sent home in our E1 Course Overview at the beginning of the year. It was created by our E1 team and tweaked by me.)

• 90% SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENTS – anything that measures your knowledge and abilities after learning and formative assessments have occurred. May include tests, quizzes, in-class and out-of-class writing assignments, projects, presentations, etc.
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• 10% FORMATIVE ASSESSMENTS – short quizzes or assignments to assess your progress toward the learning targets we are working on. Usually homework will support these assessments. In order to ensure your learning, you may have the opportunity to retake/revise these quizzes or assignments.
  
  
• 0% - RFL (Responsibility for Learning) – may include homework, preparation, class participation, quality of effort, etc. I will keep track of these items during the quarter. RFL assignments and expectations are important and designed to assist your learning. Do not treat these as unimportant simply because they do not impact your grade (positively or negatively) in terms of points and percentages.
  
  ASSIGNMENTS INCLUDE, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO:
  
  
• Preparation & Participation – Because learning occurs through conversation and cooperation, you MUST participate in this class. Plus, I am very interested in what you have to say!
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• Homework – Homework is generally viewed as practice and reinforcement of learning and will vary in form. Homework is considered your responsibility (RFL).
  
  
• Quizzes & Tests – Expect to be quizzed regularly over readings, class notes, and homework. Some quizzes will be announced, but others will be a surprise. Tests will be announced ahead of time and will come in many forms.
  
  
• Writing & Projects – You will be writing A LOT (two words) in this class. Some will be in- class timed writing and others will be announced in advance and completed at home. Often, lab time will be provided for writing and projects, but you will need to work outside of class in addition. All final drafts and some pre-writing activities will be kept in your portfolio at school.
  
  *THIS IS HUGELY IMPORTANT: think about your time in this class as a way to learn, improve, and grow as a writer, thinker and as an individual. DO NOT view your time in this class as a way to ‘get points’ so that you have a ‘high grade.’ Because I want your class grade to reflect your true abilities and learning progress, I typically do not penalize your grade if your work is reasonably late. BUT, I will react in a variety of ways to excessive lateness, including but not limited to issuing detentions (before/after school) for you to come in and do your work, contacting parents to discuss your work habits, summoning you to my class from study hall, etc.
  
  
  CLASS EXPECTATIONS:
  Be prompt (in seat at bell).
  Be prepared (have homework/studying complete on time).
  Be present (don’t be satisfied just being in the room, make your presence known).
  Be polite (avoid intolerant/offensive language and behavior).
  Act appropriately (follow class procedures, adhere to DCHS rules & guidelines). 
  *Consequences = as outlined in your student handbook.

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  If you ever feel lost, have questions, or want to review materials, I am here to work with you. Please don’t hesitate to ask to meet with me. 
  
  As a general rule all year, please be a self-advocate and communicate. Don't wait until you are very confused or very upset. Send an email, stop in before school, or find some other way to convey any questions or concerns. 
  
  
  Opportunity for Collaboration:
  Do you agree with our grading philosophy?
  Do you enforce a policy for late work? Would you be willing to remove it altogether?
  How do you motivate students to work without always awarding points/grades/credit/incentive?
  What rules/expectations do you have in your classroom?