Grading Policy:

Every assignment goes towards the report card grades, either as a letter grade, or helping to determine the learning behaviors.  I use two main grading systems, depending on the assignment.  I use a 4.0 grading system for most of the assignments.  I also use a percentage-based system to help determine the spelling and language mechanics grades.

4.0 - 3.5 = A                                           100% - 90% = A

3.5 - 2.5 = B                                           89% - 80%   = B

2.5 - 1.5 = C                                           79% - 70%   = C

1.5 - 0.5 = D                                           69% - 60%   = D

0.5 - 0.0 = E                                           59% and below = E

Since I want the students to learn as much as they can, I allow them to re-do almost any assignment; if they want to try and improve their grade.  They can simply make the necessary changes and then turn it back into me. I will then re-grade the assignment and give them the grade they deserve.  This also applies for science and social studies tests.  The only assignments I don’t allow corrections on are the spelling words for spelling tests.  We have one spelling test a week, so there are plenty of opportunities to improve their grades if they do poorly on a spelling test.

Expectations:

I have very high expectations for every student in my class.  One of my roles as a 5^th grade teacher is to prepare the students for middle school.  My main focus is to teach them responsibility for their work.  As a result, I leave it up to the students to share work with their parents or guardians.  As I grade work, I hand it back to the students.  I also leave it up to the students to re-do and turn in their work; it is their responsibility.  I gradually try to give the students more and more responsibility as the year progresses.