GRADING SYSTEM
South Middle School’s grading system is designed to measure the level of students’ attainment of our curricula objectives. The school year is divided into three marking terms. Students receive grades in each term for each course taken. Students receive a numerical grade of 50 and above, a P for passing, or an E for grades of 49 and lower. A grade of 60 or above is considered passing.
Our numerical grades represent the following level of achievement:
Grade Meaning
90 – 100 Demonstrated Advanced Mastery of the Curriculum
80 – 89 Demonstrated Mastery/Proficiency of the Curriculum
70 - 79 Demonstrated Understanding of the Curriculum
60 - 69 Demonstrated Partial Understanding of the Curriculum
50 - 59 or E Failed to Demonstrate an Understanding of the Curriculum
Advanced Mastery – At this level, students are able to apply the curriculum objectives and provide sophisticated solutions to complex problems.
Mastery/Proficiency – Students demonstrated a solid understanding of the curriculum objectives and can use them to solve a wide variety of problems.
Understanding – Students demonstrated a basic understanding of the course objectives and are able to use them in solving simple problems.
Partial Understanding – At this level, students have demonstrated a partial understanding of the objectives and are beginning to use them to solve problems.
Failing – Students failed to demonstrate an understanding of the course objectives and cannot use them to solve simple problems.
At the end of each course, the teacher will calculate a final grade. This numerical grade represents the student's final grade and is transferred into his/her school record. Comments on effort and conduct are also recorded on each student's report card. The following are examples of comments regarding student conduct, effort, and achievement that are used on progress reports and report cards:
Commendable effort -Needs to attend help class -Absences affected progress- Commendable conduct -Accommodations made -Low test results- Grade reflects effort- Fails to participate- Satisfactory effort- Participates in class -Missing assignments- Unsatisfactory effort-Superior work -Unprepared for class -Satisfactory conduct- Working to potential -Fails to follow directions- Unsatisfactory conduct- Inconsistent work -Wastes class time -Conduct needs improvement- Unsatisfactory work -Negative attitude -Uses class time wisely- Works well with others- Showing improvement- Projects late or incomplete-
Considerable talent -Showing no improvement -Effort needs improvement- Organization needs improvement- Strong organizational skills- Showing leadership skills- Asks good questions -Participation needs improvement -Projects exceed requirements
MARKING PERIODS
South Middle School operates on a trimester grading system. This consists of three, 60-day marking periods where students receive a report card and a mid-term progress report each term. Over the course of the year, students will receive three report cards and have three progress reports listed on the PowerSchool Parent Portal. Students’ final grades will consist of calculating the grades from each of the three trimesters. The following are tentative timelines for our trimester and mid-term progress reports. Please note: Grade 6 Science and Social Studies ONLY follow a two-Semester Schedule which consist of two 90 day marking periods.
1st Trimester: August 31st to December 1st
Mid Term: October 13th
2nd Trimester: December 4th to March 13th
Mid Term: January 23rd
3rd Trimester: March 14th to June 14th
Mid Term: May 3rd
GRADE 6 SCIENCE AND SOCIAL STUDIES ONLY
1st Semester: August 31st to January 23rd
Mid Term: November 3rd
2nd Semester: January 24th to June 14th
Mid Term: April 4th
The above dates are tentative. Each trimester marking period average 60 school days in length and the semester marking periods average 90 days in length. Report cards indicating student progress and achievement are issued at the end of each marking period.