Grading Policy

The departmental grading policy is based on the guidelines found in the Colegio Maya Parent-Student handbook.  The grades reflect work done on a variety of different assessment tools such as tests, quizzes, projects, papers and portfolios.  A passing grade of 70% is required to move on to the next level of English.  Four English credits are required for graduation.

Assessment in the High School:

1.       Major papers and projects account for approximately 50% of the quarter grade.  Final drafts of papers and projects are graded according to previously defined guidelines, and may also reflect improvement observed during the course of the writing process. Two major essay assignments and two to three in-class papers can be expected per quarter.

2.       Quizzes and tests account for approximately 40% of the quarter grade.  These tools may be used to measure comprehension of reading assignments or of grammar and vocabulary work.  One major novel test and four to six grammar or vocabulary quizzes can be expected each quarter.

3.       General classroom cooperation and participation account for about 10% of the quarter grade.  Pre-writing homework assignments are checked and are used to raise or lower borderline grades.

4.       Grades are computed by averaging all numerical grades with the grades for major papers and essays weighted two to three times the value of other grades, depending on the amount of time and effort required for completion.

Homework-the two basic components in the English Department are reading and writing.  Students will read at least two books per quarter outside of class, with reading of textbook assignments done in class.  Depending on the reading rate of individual students this should take between 30-45 minutes per night.  Writing at home is generally work on revisions and final drafts of papers.  On an average, written homework should be completed in two hours per week.

Assessment in the Middle School:

Middle school students are given the same variety of assignments, but the number of assignments and time required for completion depends on the grade level.  Middle school students will also be given more class time for the writing process and may be given take home tests.  Middle school students will also use portfolios and journals as part of the learning process.

Homework for middle school students should take from 30-45 minutes per night depending on the reading rate of the individual student.