You earn grades in class by accumulating points during the semester for work done on assignments.  My grading scale is based on the following percentages of points earned out of total points possible:

90 - 100+ %  = A    adds 4 points to GPA, 5 points for honors classes

80 - 89     %  = B    adds 3 points to GPA, 4 points for honors classes

70 - 79     %  = C    adds 2 points to GPA, 3 points for honors classes

60 - 69     %  = D    adds 1 point to GPA

<    60       %  = F    adds 0 points to GPA

Remember, anything less than a "C" average is below graduation criteria.  You must maintain a 2.0 or "C" average in order to graduate!

There is no established formula for points to be distributed in particular assignment categories, but points are typically accumulated in labs, homework, class work, tests, research and other special projects.

There are opportunities for extra credit, but extra credit will not be enough to raise a grade more than one grade level and is generally available to students who are caught up on regular assignments.  Extra credit is NOT to be used to make up for missed assignments.  (Occasionally, extra credit opportunities will be made available to whole classes.)

Students are given a grade sheet to record scores on individual assignments as well as running (cumulative) totals for each quarter; both students and parents can determine a student's current grade at any time if the student maintains the grade sheet.

SEMESTER GRADES

Science department policy is for semester grades to be based on the following percentages:

80 % All assignments/assessments done during the semester

20 % Semester final exam