Diamond Middle School Grading Philosophy
"Every Student Can Learn"
by Chris Pittman
August 24, 2010
The Diamond Middle School has begun a new grading policy this school year. According to the middle school counselor, Mr. Jordan, the main goal of this new policy is “No F’s.” There are six major changes on the existing policy. They include the following:
• All Students must score at 70% mastery or better on all assignments, projects, and assessments.
• NO ZEROS ARE ALLOWED!
• Any student not turning in work will be required to see that teacher during Wildcat Time in order to receive help on the assignment. Any work not turned in on time must be completed in Wildcat Time or After-School Tutoring.
• Students are allowed unlimited opportunities to better their score but must have re-teaching time with a teacher before the re-take will be allowed.
• All work must be completed by the end of the quarter in order to receive credit without penalty.
• Wednesday will be designated Pause (PAWS) time for all students to re-take or make-up tests if it is not possible in class. Students must have an opportunity to receive remediation or re-teaching with an instructor before re-taking a test. If no tests are being given, the teacher may utilize the periods as they would regular Wildcat Time
With all these changes in the policy, the teachers feel strongly that there will be no to very little failing this year. Hopefully, this new system will help all the middle school students reach higher academic excellence.
