Syllabus & Grading

How Grades Work With SCHS Science Department

The Science Department uses a weighted average with the following categories:

• Activities and Lab Experiences - 35%
• Tests - 15%
• Standards* - 50%

Something unique about The Creek is that the Science Department uses *Standards-Based Grading* (in the Standards category) which means when you take a test, each question is directly linked to a standard. Students will receive feedback for EACH standard that was assessed in the form of a proficiency level. The proficiency levels that will appear for each standard are as follows:

• Advanced (100%)
• Proficient (80%)
• Basic (60%)
• Below Basic (40%)
• Lack of Evidence (0%)

Students will be able to complete remediation assignments and re-test on individual standards in order to prove they know a standard and ultimately improve their grade for that standard. Test grades will not change, but standard grades can change. This means students will not have to re-take an entire test; but instead, they can select the areas they need the most help in and focus on improving those skills. For example, the first test (Unit 1 Test) will appear on your progress report in Skyward followed by FIVE standards that are assessed on the Unit 1 Test: 1A - Density Calculations, 1B - Conceptual Density, 1C - Scientific Notation, 1D - Metric Conversions, 1E - Measuring. These five standards are the topics on which students may complete remediation. More information on Remediation Assignments coming soon.