Grading is based upon a student's mastery of the California State Social Studies Standards. Students' knowledge will be assessed in a variety of ways such as tests, reports, presentations, projects, journals, homework, participation and observation. Rubrics will be used to determine if a project has met the standard.

Homework/Class Assignments/Quizzes/Participation 30%
Projects/Tests/Reports 40%
Notebooks 30%

Grading: Grading is based on a standard percentage system.

A=90-100
95 is the basic A
High Quality

B=80-89
85 is the basic B
Good Quality

C=70-79
75 is the basic C
Fair

D=60-69
65 is the basic D
Needs much improvement

F=50-59
55 is the basic F
Not acceptable or missing


With approval of the teacher, the student may make up any work that is missing or below an “A.”

Parent Connect:
Parent connect is a useful tool for parents to periodically check their child’s progress. Although every effort will be made to keep this website up-to-date, this extra service may not be updated weekly, as your child’s teachers have different grading methods and schedules.

Daily Warm-Up Questions:
Warm-up questions are given at the beginning of each class, while the teacher takes roll and takes care of important business. The students have about 10 minutes of quiet time to write at least a paragraph answering the question. The week's questions should all be on a single paper which is turned in on the last day of the week for credit. The teacher uses the warm-ups to assess the student's knowledge, review important points, review class rules, and to promote later discussion. The warm-up questions are always discussed, so that the student may add to their responses. Missing warm-ups may be made up with the approval of the teacher.

Homework:
Homework is not assigned everyday. On days when it is not assigned, students are expected to use their time wisely for individual learning activities and family time. When homework is assigned, it must be neat, on time, and fully completed. Parents may be asked to verify the student's work. All homework must be brought to class everyday and completed by the due date. I will not accept student excuses for late homework. However, if a true problem arises, a note from the student's parent/guardian will be accepted. In the case of illness, the student has the responsibility to get and complete the missing homework.

Notebooks: Students will do many of their class assignments within notebooks. These notebooks will be checked periodically for neatness, organization and completeness. The work will be counted and graded. Student notebooks need to be provided by the student. If there is a problem with obtaining notebooks, the student should see me. Only one notebook will be needed in class at one time. The rest may be left at home until needed. Four notebooks (70 page, spiral bound) should be enough for the year. All notebook assignments are expected to be completed. In case of student absence, the student will be allowed to make up the work.

Class work and Projects: Students are expected to do all class work. This includes participating in discussions, group work, reading and writing assignments, oral presentations, listening, and other class activities. All projects are extremely important and must be completed. Students need to follow all instructions for the projects. Students may redo a project to receive a higher grade within a stated time period. In case of illness, the student has the responsibility to get and complete the missing classwork.

Citizenship:
Citizenship grades are as follows:

E=Excellent
G=Good
S=Satisfactory
N=Needs Improvement
U=Unsatisfactory

Citizenship grades are determined by a student’s positive participation, attitude, tardies, respect toward others, responsibility toward materials, and general behavior.