Students will be evaluated and graded using the following parameters:
Scoring will be done on a weighted scale as follows:
Grade Sclae for 6th & 7th Grades
40% Major Assessments & Quizzes*
20% Writing and Maps*
30% Classwork/Homework*
10% Vocabulary/Notebook Checks*
Grade Scale for 8th Grade
30% Major Assessments & Quizzes*
20% Writing & Maps*
20% Classwork/Homework*
20% Checkbook & Bills*
10% Vocabulary/Notebook Checks*
All notes and most assignments are posted in Classroom.
Students can use these online notes to study anywhere they have internet access.
*Major Assessments & Quizzes- Major Assessments & Quizzes are any form of assessment used to demonstrate student understanding of the New Jersey State Standards for Social Studies. This may include writing, standard "paper-and-pencil" tests, online assessments (like through Google Forms), projects, charts, graphs, drawings, posters, and any other form used to assess understanding.
*Writing & Maps- The ability to write correctly is very important, so I grade ALL writing very seriously. Students will be required to complete writing assignments related to history, geography, politics, and other topics in the curriculum. Use of correct format and proper writing style- including spelling, grammar, punctuation, and other writing conventions- will be stressed. We may use peer editing and other avenues to improve our writing. In addition we will complete several maps of the areas we are learning about in class. Students will be required to study the maps for assessment. There is ample opportunity for whole-class study, and they are also provided resources to help them study independently.
*Vocabulary & Notebook Checks- in order to effectively understand the topics taught in class, students will receive vocabulary words that pertain to our lessons and keep a notebook of the words and other important concepts. Each section of the notes has its own vocabulary. The notes can be found online in Google Classroom if they miss them during class. Students are required to copy down ALL vocabulary and important concepts then submit to me in the form of a notebook, which I have provided to them. They will be quizzed on the vocabulary as a seperate grade. Quizzes will take many forms including crossword puzzles, verbal, written, picture, and other creative formats.
* Checkbook and Bills- Eighth graders will be responsible for keeping a checkbook up to date and for paying bills on a monthly basis. See below for special notes regarding the grading of checkbooks and bills.
A Few Words About Grades,
Zeros, & Late Work
I will make every effort to enter grades within two to three days of the due date for assignments or assessments. If a student does not hand in an assignment on the due date, then I will enter a ZERO to indicate it has not been submitted and email the student's parent or guardian for notification. This will show the student and parent the effect of a ZERO on the overall grade. It is the student's responsibility to do their work in a timely manner. If the assignment is handed in late, then the grade will fall one grade lower per day as explained in the Oldmans Township School Student Handbook, and gradebook will be changed accordingly. Assignments that are not handed in within five (5) days of the due date will remain a ZERO, and the grade will NOT be changed. Repeated lateness in a week will trigger a request for a meeting with me, the student, and parents or guardians in an attempt to devise a plan to recify the problem that is causing chronic lateness of assignments.
Eighth graders will pay bills this year and will be required to maintain a balanced checkbook. Bills will be due on the 25th of each month. As in life, bills are due whether or not the students are in school. In addition, the five-day grace period for grades DOES NOT APPLY to paying bills. If bills are not paid on the 25th, then students will receive a ZERO. THE GRADE WILL NOT BE CHANGED. This is done to teach the importance of paying bills in a timely manner.