Grading

Writing

Almost any writing that is done in class for a grade will be sent home in graded papers every couple of weeks.  This writing will be graded on a scale from 1-4 using a rubric.  It will generally be written as a fraction.

4 out of 4 - Exactly what I was looking for; used examples from the text, most/all spelling and  grammar is correct.

3 out of 4 - Close to the "correct/ideal" answer; had multiple mistakes in either spelling/grammar or did not use examples from the text, at all or accurately.

2 out of 4 - The work is alright, but needs to be improved upon; the student may need to focus on reading slowly for meaning, or needs to re-read the text. 

1 out of 4 - Not acceptable; usually accompanied with a note for guidelines to improve.  The student may need extra practice at home on a weekly basis to practice skills such as summarizing, paraphrasing, comprehension, or retelling.

Approximate Equivalency:
4 ~ 96
3 ~ 88
2 ~ 80
1 ~ 72

Tests, Quizzes, Reports/Projects

These items will be graded on a letter scale from E to A+. 
The scale is as follows:

A ~ 100-94
B ~ 93-86
C ~ 85-78
D ~ 77-70
E ~ 69 and below

Daily / Weekly Work

These items are generally on loose leaf (lined, 3-holed paper) and are used to practice writing skills or record responses to literature.  Other times they may be reproducible reading skill worksheets or spelling homework.  They will be graded on a check mark scale.  The scale is as follows:

Check+ Generally considered an A-.  Correct answer with proper grammar and mechanics.
Check   The work is acceptable, average, or worth a C.
Check-  Needs work or extra attention, generally a D-.