English I Grading Policy

English I

Grading Policy

Mrs. Ramay

Grades in English I are based primarily upon these components: essays, homework, quizzes, tests, miscellaneous assignments and projects, oral assignments, and class participation.

Assignments are weighted based on their complexity. Every assignment in this class fits into one of four categories:

12-Point Assignments 8-Point Assignments 4-Point Assignments Credit/No Credit

11-12        A       7-8   A       4   A

8, 9, 10     B        5-6   B       3   B

5, 6, 7      C       3-4   C       2   C

2, 3, 4       D       1-2   D       1   D

1, 0           F         0   F       0   F

Nearly all 8-point and 12-point assignments may be revised in order for the student to improve his or her grade. Some 4-point assignments are revisable too. But unless a student turns in the assignment on time he or she may not revise for a higher grade. Revisions are due prior to the end of a semester. Due dates are announced well in advance.

Students maintain writing folders holding all of their writing. These are used for parent conferences as well as student conferences.

English I is a beginning level college prep course designed to introduce students who are mostly freshmen to the rigors of a high school language arts curriculum. It meets the A-G requirement set by the University of California, as well as standards set by the California State University system 

This course is centered around a multi-genre curriculum that is driven by State standards,. English I is the beginning course in a sequential English language program. As with all courses offered in the English Department, these students read for 20 minutes each period, write daily, study language and vocabulary. They are expected to complete about 15 minutes of homework each night.  Students are both taught and reminded of the conventions of the English language.  Daily, students read silently and write for fluency.

Core literature:

• To Kill a Mockingbird
• Romeo and Juliet
• Lord of the Flies
• Short stories
• Poetry
• Essays

Grade Bump Policy for CST Testing:

Students have an opportunity to raise spring semester grades dependent upon the following criteria:

Pre-Test Grade            CST Score                                     Post-Test Grade

F                                   Basic, Proficient, Advanced               D

D                                   Basic, Proficient, Advanced              C

C                                   Proficient, Advanced                        B

B                                   Advanced                                        A

In order for a student to qualify for the grade bump, he/she must meet the following conditions:

• Student’s seat time in class must equal a minimum of 75% attendance. School-related events will not be counted as absences.
• Student must turn in 50% of his/her assignments. The size of the assignment will not be considered in the calculation, only the number of assignments. 
• Students receiving an “F”, who are bumped to a “D”, may, at the teacher’s discretion, still be required to repeat their current English class the following year.

A student’s grade in this class for the spring semester may be enhanced based on his or her performance on the California Standards Test (CST).