Grading Policy

Mr. Jason Foster

9
th
Grade Language Arts
Welcome to another exciting year in the course of your education. For students and parents alike, the
transition to high school can bring a degree of anxiety; however, being prepared and understanding what is
required should eliminate any surprises when it comes to grades, assignments, and your progress.
For students this means that your grades and completion records are kept up to date by your instructor, and can
be checked in as time allows before and after class. Assignment grades and assessment scores will be updated no
later than the following week of school, with the exception of district holidays.
For parents this means you are able to be as connected to your students progress as you wish to be. Grades and
records will be uploaded to the district reporting website as they are completed. Progress reports will be sent out
quarterly and reflect both aptitude and compliance (performance and behavior). Although real-time assignment
scores reflect only a numeric value, progress reports reflect the students achievement, effort, and participation.
My office telephone number and email are also listed at the bottom of this policy statement.
Class Expectations:
While we are here to learn, language arts is a field of study which requires creativity, communication, and
interpretation. Expect that class time will often include group and partner work, interactive discussion, research,
and projects. This kind of classroom approach that deemphasizes lecture also demands the cooperation and
respect of each student towards their peers and their instructors. Repeated failure to play well with others may
result in disciplinary action and can affect grades.
How to Succeed:
In this class, bring at least two #2 pencils (they are flimsy), required reading, your notebook (more on that
in a separate handout), and your assigned work with you each day. Respect your peers. Respect this school and
the opportunities education affords you. Be on time and be ready to learn. If you bring a cell phone or electronic
device to class, I should be blissfully unaware of its existence.
Grading Scale:
A A- B+ B B- C+ C C- D+ Lets Talk
93-100 90-92 87-89 83-86 80-82 77-79 73-76 70-72 67-69 <66
Grades at or below 66% reflect a disconnect between expectation and performance that will be addressed
proactively by the instructor with both the student and the parent(s). The district expects students to perform
with a C or better in Language Arts. This is my goal as well, and I am here to help.
Late Work/Make Up Work: Late work is accepted for most assignments throughout the school year. Your
instructor realizes that illnesses, family obligations, and other emergencies are a reality for school-aged persons.
An assignment received more than two days after either the due date or return to school will result in a loss of one
letter grade, and one additional letter grade lost for every two days after.
Extra Credit: Extra credit is not given in this class. You will be given every opportunity to succeed without it.
Tests: Test is a horrible word. I give assessments, which are opportunities to show off how much youve learned
and how far youve progressed. Assessments are worth 30% of your overall grade, meaning that it is possible to
pass this class with a C letter grade without the benefit of testing well. However, realistic preparation for tests
provided by your instructor and a commitment to study the material, should be sufficient for excellent results.
Office Telephone: 360-999-9999 Email: JFoster@someschoolinVancouver.edu