School-wide Grading Policy

    Meaning of the Grade

    An evaluation of an individual student’s overall achievement and effort toward meeting MCPS standards is included on the report card as a Final Grade: A, B, C, D, or E.

    Specific evaluations of an individual student’s efforts toward meeting MCPS standards are included on the report card as Learning Skills grades in the areas of Assignment Completion and Participation.

    Assignment Completion is a report of the extent to which a student completes home and class assignments in a given period of time.

    Participation is a report of the extent to which a student contributes ideas, asks questions, uses feedback; or engages in tasks to clarify, refine, or extend learning.

    They are represented on the report card by a C (Consistent), O (Often), S (Sometimes), R (Rarely), or NI (Not enough Information).

    Types of Assignments

    Types of Assignments for both learning and practice and mastery may include:
    • tests and quizzes
    • lab activities/investigations
    • use of technology
    • class work and homework
    • projects (individual & group)
    • safety assessment
    • keeping a science journal
    • reading and writing explorations
    • lab reports
    • presentations
    • research explorations
    • making and using models
    • entrance exit cards
    • Inquiry projects/Science Expo
    • Dissection
    • MSA BCRs

    Final Grade Calculation

    Final Grade = 90% of Overall Achievement Grade + 10% of Homework/Practice

    • Achievement grades reflect achievement of the MCPS indicators only. Achievement assignment grades are calculated by dividing points earned by total points possible and are based on a percentage scale of A=90-100%, B=80-89%, C=70-79%, D=60-69%, and E=0-59%.
    • Students may be assigned a grade lower than 50% on an assessment if they do not meet the minimum standards (see below) as determined by the grade level, subject area teachers.
    • There are NO Extra Credit or Bonus assignments.
    • Assignment Completion grades homework/practice) are included in the Final Grade calculation in addition to being reported as a Learning Skills grade.
    • Students will have multiple opportunities to attempt course objectives and indicators, to receive feedback on performance, and/or to meet with a teacher for additional instruction prior to assessments.
    • Progress reports are sent home every three weeks and grades can be viewed on Edline at any time.

    Minimum Standards

    When using percentages, teachers will assign a grade no lower than 50% to an Achievement assignment that meets minimum standards. Teachers may assign a grade lower than 50% to an Achievement assignment that does not meet minimum standards. Minimum standards are determined by teachers based on various factors (including but not limited to assignment completion, pattern(s) of errors, lack of clarity, and evidence of thought) that show the student has begun to understand the information or concept, as measured by indicators.

    Reassessment

    Assessments may be reassessed one time, and may be reassessed partially, entirely, or in a different format. The reassessment grade replaces the original grade. Reassessment opportunities are identified by the teacher prior to the original assessment. The following assessments may not be reassessed:

    • End of course or semester exams
    • Unit tests
    • Final research papers, reports or essays
    • Culminating projects or performances

    Students may be reassessed on other types of Achievement assignments if they meet the following requirements: complete required assignments, complete the original assessment, complete reteaching/relearning activities as determined with the teacher, and schedule reassessment within instructional unit.  Assignment retake policy is in compliance with “Say No to Zero” policy (defined below).

    Late Work

    • A due date is the date students are expected to submit an assignment. Any Achievement assignment turned in after the due date will be penalized one letter grade.
    • A deadline is the last date a teacher will accept an.  An Achievement assignment not turned in or turned in after the deadline date will not earn credit (0%).
    • Any Assignment Completion assignment that is provided for practice must be completed on time for full credit. Any late or incomplete Assignment Completion assignment may receive a 0%.
    • Students who have excused absences have a responsibility to make up missed assignments. Teachers will assist students in making up their assignments and set appropriate deadlines.
    • All due dates and deadline dates will be announced and may or may not be on the same day depending on the nature of the assignment.

    Forms of Communication

    • Student Agenda Book
    • Progress reports/interims
    • Report Cards
    • Email
    • Edline

    “Say No to Zero” Policy

    We believe at PMMS that our students are capable of achieving at high levels if they will do their part by participating in class, turning in all assignments, and getting extra help when needed.  We are insisting in the 2006-’07 academic year that students turn in all work.  When students do not turn in an assignment, they will do that assignment during lunch or after school on the same day so they do not fall behind.  In some cases, students may be required to make up assignments during Saturday School if the lunch time and/or after school attempt has failed.  Parents please support this policy by making sure that a Say No to Zero form was signed and turned in to your child’s teacher.  This way your child will get the support they need immediately.