Grades

Dear Georgetown Parent,

First, please know how much I am enjoying working with your students!!  I find most of them eager to learn and definitely fun to be around!

I would like to present my grading philosophy:  I think math is different from many other subject areas as the criteria for math is: Can you or can't you do it?  Therefore the tests are most important for determining the students' understanding.  But that is balanced by that nowhere does it say a student must understand the concept on February 12th if they can learn it by March 1st! 

I compare math to a baby learning to stand up.  We don't say "flunk!" every time the baby stands up and falls over.  We just cheer them on and then enjoy their big grins when they "get an A" and stand up alone!  We don't "average" his attempts and say that he failed 40 times and finally learned to stand, we say "he gets an A!  He's standing!"  And so is math!

Therefore I throw out the Fs that might appear before the understanding emerges.  As students begin to understand, I keep track of the successful grades!

Now for students who are test phobic or who just get nervous or for whatever reason struggle to pass tests, that is when homework and effort come into play.  I will never fail a student who tries.  I record the completion of homework.  Again, I don't "grade" daily homework as that is the students' practice to understand the new concepts and I don't think they should be punished for maybe not understanding at first.  Attempted and completed homework is 5 points no matter the percentage correct.

I also have given out my phone number: 647-1563 and have reassured students I can usually help them with their assignments over the phone.  I am happy to assist.  For people who need some help, I am available during my lunch hour and before school.  If I can assist anyone, please phone.  I am also available online as "chively" with bomusd. 

I am working to get grades on line as soon as I can.  Please feel free to email and ask, if you like.

Thank you for all the support you've given me.  I love teaching here.

Cathy Hively