Formative Assessments: Summative Assessments: Quizzes (announced and unannounced) Papers Homework / Classwork Unit Exams Class Participation Mid-Terms Final Exams If students do good work, they'll get a good grade. As a "curve" I drop the lowest summative grade and the lowest formative grade for the semester. I also grade for correctness; very rarely do I give a "participation grade". The only way anyone can fail my class is if they do not do their work, their work is shoddy, or the work is incorrect. Also, as long as students communicate with me about work being late or if the student will be absent, I do take it into consideration when grading. I give ample extra credit; therefore, I do not accept "extras" as extra credit, such as newspaper clippings or writing assignments. I offer extra credit through the cell phone plan (see below), unused bathroom coupons, and study guides. Total, students have the opportunity to gain up to 160 extra credit points for a semester. Cell phones: I have, in the front of my room, what I like to call the "Cell Block", where students are required to put their phones during class time (unless otherwise instructed, say, for use in research). Cell phones can be a major distraction, and I do not believe in repeating myself when someone doesn't pay attention because of a "toy". The Cell Block is right next to my desk, so the phones will be under my watch throughout the class. Students will be given a "ticket" every two weeks, which will be stamped every day that they put their cell phones in the Cell Block for the period. This gives the students the opportunity to receive up to 80 extra credit points for the semester, depending on inclement weather, absences, etc. Should they lose the ticket or forget it, they will forfeit the extra credit for that two weeks/day. If cell phones are out without permission after class starts, especially given the opportunity to put them away or gain extra credit, will result in some form of disciplinary action. If there are any issues with my policies, feel free to email me at [email protected]