Sunday, September 23, 2012

Mid-term Week -- Get the Grade

This week is the mid- term of the first quarter, the first grading period.  have you daughter/son check with each teacher to determine the exact cut- off date for this mid-term.  Friday is the absolute last day of the mid-term grading window.

The first mid-term period is normally a surprise to new students. This is not a grade that appears on a transcript.  It can be a warning to get serious about the business of school and education.  Just showing up is not sufficient.  We are concerned about learning.

The Parent Portal is the place for an attendance check.  If your son or daughter has three or more unexcused absences or tardies, there is an issue that is impacting his/her grade.

Excused absence make-up is the responsibility of the student and home.  The student normally has the number of days excused absent plus one to make-up the work.  Check the teacher's syllabus for clarification of the grading policy in that class.

Saving everything to the end of the grading period is not acceptable.  Homework is important practice.  It is not the major part of a grade.  Learning is the important element.  Students should be able to tell you the learning targets attempted and gained.  Assessments on those learning targets can be improved through practice (homework) but the assessment of learning is normally reflected in the grade.  For many classes, the assessment is the test.  If you have questions ask the teacher.

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