Creative Writing

Grading Practices

Grades are an important part of a students educational process, and at times, the grade book
alone is not an effective source of communication regarding the knowledge students have
demonstrated. Here is a brief breakdown on grading practices in Creative Writing.
Grading Scale
A+ 98-100
A 93-97
A- 89.5-92

B+ 87-89.49 C+77-79.49
B 83-86
C 73-76
B- 79.5-82 C- 69.5-72

D+ 67-69.49 F 59.49 or below

D 63-66
D- 59.5-62

Grading Method
Semester grades are the only grades included on students official transcripts. Semester grades are calculated
cumulatively, using three weighted categories:
1. Practice & Participation (30%)
Students must show that they are engaged learners through practice and participation in class. The expectations
for this category include academic behaviors such as:
contributing to class discussions, asking questions, and demonstrating engagement
completing all assignments to the best of ability
turning in work on time
staying on track with outside reading
At each grading period (mid-term, quarter, semester), the teacher will reflect on the students participation and
examine practice activities for an eventual score on a Practice & Participation rubric. Students will be given an
opportunity to reflect on their participation score as well.
Some assignments in the Practice & Participation category may be listed as Not for Grading in the grade
book. These assignments are not counted as a grade but are valuable practice that will eventually lead to a
performance assessment. They are entered in the grade book for students and parents / guardians to track
progress. The Not for Grading assignments, while not factoring into a students grade individually, are part of
the composite Practice & Participation rubric at every midterm and quarter.
Example: The homework for Monday is for students to complete a short writing. The teacher will simply check that this
assignment is complete on Monday, but in a few weeks, the writing will be one of several assignments assessed for
completion on the Practice & Participation Rubric. If a student did not complete this homework, the students grade will then
be affected.

2. Performance (60%)
Performance scores will be assigned to individual standards on summative writing assessments.
3. Semester Final (10%)
The final will be a portfolio and presentation compiling the students works throughout the semester.

Late Work
The following are the late-work policies which can impact students grades:
Assignments will be graded based on quality, just like those not submitted late. However, for those late
assignments not due to absences (make-up work), there will be a task created in the gradebook that will
note the assignment was submitted late. These late assignments will factor in to the students Practice &
Participation rubric at midterm and quarter.
Example: The homework for Monday is for students to complete a short writing. If a student does not complete the
assignment until Tuesday, it will be checked off just like students who turned the assignment in on time, but it will
receive a LTE (late) note next to it in the grade book. Then, in a few weeks, the writing will be one of several
assignments assessed for timeliness on the Practice & Participation Rubric. If a student turned in assignment(s)
late, the students grade will be affected.

There will be some non-negotiable deadlines where late work will no longer be accepted (e.g. the end of
the quarter, larger projects / presentations where logistics are an issue, etc.). Mrs. Skoglund will
communicate these deadlines ahead of time.

Revision Opportunities
Students often wonder if there are opportunities to earn higher grades in addition to regular coursework.
Revision: I will offer revision for most major writing assignments as revision is a valuable tool for
learning; these revisions can improve a students initial grade.

Common Grade Book Codes

Code in Grade Book
NHI
INC
LTE
ABA
ABD

Meaning
Not Handed In
Incomplete
Late
Absent When Assigned
Absent When Due

Communication Regarding Grades

As the teacher, I will regularly communicate with students and parents / guardians regarding grades. I will try
to update grades as soon as possible and will send out progress reports via e-mail approximately every two
weeks. When midterm and quarter grades are approaching, I will also give students the opportunity to check
their grades in class.
As the student or parent / guardian, you should also regularly communicate with the teacher regarding grades.
If you have a question or concern, please notify me as soon as possible so that we can communicate and resolve
the issue.

Bottom line about grades: if you have a question or concern, do not hesitate to contact me.
Issues are better resolved when we are all proactive and work together!
My e-mail:
jskoglundonw@olatheschools.org