Merced High School
Science Department
Philosophy of Grading
The Governing Board belives that students have the right to receive course grades that represent an accurate evaluation of students' achievement and that address the Science Content Standards as outlined by the California State Board of Eduacation (http://www.cde.ca.gov/be/st/ss/). Grades should be impartial, consistent, and based upon accomplished objectives as demostrated through various assesment tools such as: exams, classroom participation, and homework.
Consistent attendance in science classes is necessary for successful performance. If students are absent, they is responsible on the day of their return, for asking the teacher for an account of what was covered in class and what make-up work is required. Students will be allowed a mininmum of two days to complete make-up work for each day of absence. More time may be granted at the discretion of the teacher. Students who are absent due to truancy, will be allowed to make up work, however, a point reduction penalty may be assessed if the teacher so designates.
The Science Department grading policy is summarized as follows:
1. A point system is used to compute grades.
2. Points may be earned on exams, quizzes, labortaory reports, homework, projects, notes, research reports and other assignments as specified by the teacher.
3. Bonus points may be earned at the discretion of the teacher.
4. Grades are calculated as a percentage of the highest total points (not possible points) as earned in all of a teacher's classes of that subject.
The Science Department Grading Scale:
A 95% - 100%
B 85% - 94%
C 70% - 84%
D 60% - 69%
F 0% - 59%
The Science Department Chair or individual teachers should be contacted to provide further explanation of how the grading scale works.
