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
This year South Middle School will use a quarterly grade system (45 day marking periods) Students will receive six grades over the course of the year: four quarterly grades and two semester grades from specialists. Students’ final grades will consist of calculating the grades from each of the four quarters and also from the two semesters. The following are tentative timelines for quarterly and semester grades.
The above dates are tentative. The quarterly marking periods average 45 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.