• Mr. Sapakie’s grading policy.
    For various reasons, I have, after twenty years of observing the good and bad of different grading policies, adopted the following grading policy.  It is probably (almost definitely) different from anything else you have seen in the past, but I truly believe it will be the fairest way to determine your grade.  It will be confusing at first, but you will get used to it, and hopefully, come to understand why I use it and why it benefits you.
     
    All assignments will receive a percentage grade of 35-100%.      No assignment will receive less than 35%.  Even assignments that are not turned in will be entered at 35%  (I know this sounds weird, but it was the only way to get the gradebook to do what I wanted it to do). 
     
    The grading scale will be as folllows:
    90-100=A
    80-89 = B
    70-79 = C
    60-69 = D
    35-59 = F
    (No one can have a grade below 35% as all assignments will be entered in at least 35%)
     

    Why do it this way?  People are not overly punished for failing/not completing an assignment.  Instead of getting a grade of 30% or even 0% (which is way below passing an can really tank your grade), an assignment that did not go well hurts your grade, but not overly. Students who were doing well, who were turning in everything and getting A’s and B’s, will still get the same grade.


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    Categories:

    Since every assignment is only out of 100 in the gradebook, there needs to be a way to make tests and essays (major assignments) worth more points than regular homework.  To do this, I place all grades in one of three weighted categories:


    Summative assessments:  Weighted at 50% of your grade.

    These are end of unit projects that test the sum (summative) of your knowledge has met the goals we have for the class.  These would include in class tests, essays, group presentations, or any other project completed at the end of a unit.

    Formative assessments:  Weighted at 30% of your grade.

    These are middle of the unit projects that show if your forming (formative) knowledge is on target for the goals we have for the class.  These would include quizzes, shorter writing assignments, group presentations, or any other assignment that is carefully graded during the unit, but before the last few days.  

    Homework and in-class work:  Weighted at  20% of your grade.

    These are small assignments, usually graded mainly for completion but only partially for quality.  They are your practice, and are therefore important to complete.  But, as they are practice, and not assessment, they are looked at quickly.


    Why do it this way:  It makes sure that the most important assignments receive the most weight.  If you meet the class goals you will have a good grade.  It deemphasizes small assignments, but does not eliminate them.




    I hope this all makes sense (even though I realize it probably doesn’t yet).  I promise it is done to benefit you, not me.  As you get more used to it, I think you will see its benefits.  If you do have questions, do not hesitate for one minute to come and ask me about it.