Grade Descriptions*
*The guidelines listed below were adapted with permission from Nancy Small's Grade Guidelines (a link to her faculty website) January 14, 1999.
• is outstanding, exceptional
• follows all instructions thoroughly
• shows excellent understanding and completion of objectives
• demonstrates a clear understanding and use of Standard English mechanics and usage
• shows outstanding attention to detail
• not only meets, but exceeds assignment expectations
Please notice the subtle yet identifiable
difference between an A paper and B paper: the B paper is very good
and demonstrates understanding;
however, the A paper seeks
to excel in its demonstration of the objectives. An A paper seeks to
"stand out in the crowd" of submissions. The
author of an A paper stands out by thoroughly attending to the details of
information presentation: he or she anticipates and answers audience
needs, writes with precision
and clarity, attends to mechanical detail, etc.
• is very good
• follows all instructions thoroughly
• shows a clear understanding and completion of objectives
• demonstrates a good understanding of Standard English mechanics and usage
• is thoroughly and competently completed
• is adequate (generally satisfactory but could clearly be improved in specific areas, but it “gets the job done”)
• follows all instructions but could be improved in terms of development
• seeks to fulfill all objectives competently
• demonstrates a good understanding of Standard English mechanics
Please notice that the C paper has no major flaws, including problems with mechanics and usage. The C paper "works"; i.e., it meets the assignment.
• needs clearly identifiable (and possibly substantial) improvement and/or development
• generally follows instructions but needs development
• shows a partial understanding of objectives
• needs additional "polish" in the use of Standard English mechanics and usage
• is not missing vital information, but clearly needs additional attention
• needs major improvement
• fails to follow instructions
• fails to show understanding of objectives
• shows consistent carelessness concerning mechanics
• is demonstrably incomplete
The grade you receive on your work
will be identified on a criteria for scoring sheet (which will be given to
you prior to completion of each
assignment). Each sheet identifies the "particulars" or criteria
(with corresponding point values) of each assignment. The points earned
in each section will be totaled for an assignment score. This score
should reflect the standards identified in the "Grade Descriptions."
Please note that your score may also reflect a late penalty deducted from
the total or a penalty for failing to follow instructions given in class
and not already reflected in an area on the criteria sheet.
I encourage you to understand your
grades and seek to build your skills from assignment to assignment.
Please do not hesitate to talk
with me when/if necessary for your own improvement.
Final Note
I encourage you to complete multiple
drafts of each assignment and to seek instructor input (in AND out of class)
as much as possible
concerning the quality of your work. The assignments do not have drafts
built-in to the grade (i.e., I won't check to make sure that you are
progressing successfully toward completing an assignment). Therefore,
it is your responsibility to draft and fine-tune each assignment,
seeking help or feedback as needed. Use my office hours for receiving
feedback on your work.