I sent out report cards this week. Students can get a 1-3, 3 being the highest, a p for passing, or an n for needs improvement. As I was doing the grades, I basically gave any student in the 90% a 3, 80% a 2, 70% a 1, 60% a p, and an N for anyone under 60%. I believe all students should be able to get a three if they earn it.
That being said, my class report cards were very low. It always seems that they are at the beginning of the year. I don't know if students are just used to getting a good grade despite not putting forth any effort. Once my students realize that I do expect them to work and earn their grade, most try harder.
As a teacher, I do not mark off points for late assignments. I send home a list of missing assignments every couple of weeks. I even attach all the missing assignments to the paper. There is a reason I give out an assignment. If a student hasn't done the assignment, I want them to take their time to get it done.
I send home a weekly calendar that lists all the homework assignments for the week so parents know what is due when. I am a working mother, so I try to make life easier for other working parents to keep track of what is happening at school. And yet, I still have parents surprised their child is missing assignments.
I can't wait to get feedback from the report cards.