Arapahoe High School Littleton Public Schools 2201 E. Dry Creek Rd.

Littleton, CO 80120 Dear students, parents, guardians, I am fortunate enough to be in a profession that the constant is change; as professionals, we stretch ourselves to find the best practices and applications. In doing so, our district is part of an exploration of grades. We want to have grades reflect more closely to what your student has learned. To do this, many teachers at Arapahoe divide the work students do into categories and weight them according to emphasis and alignment with the curriculum. Last year was my first doing this and I am excited to say that the dialogue, the discussion of a students intrinsic motivation was refreshing. Instead of a student wishing for extra credit to raise a grade, students now re-do assignments and points are added to show the improvement of a certain skill or content piece. Students at first, were so stupefied that they could re-do assignments, work with me on the skill in the English officeall to strengthen writing, improve reading comprehension, etc. that they were slow to use this growth opportunity. Once students realized the worth of learning for themselves instead of for a teacher or a grade, I saw investment in their work. The students perceptions of their abilities were honest, but certainly could improve. The students realized they could expect to have success and thus, their perceived value of assignments improved. So wonderful! The following are the categories I have for English 9 and English Lit; both courses are designed with college-prep curriculum in mind: Reading Analysis and Applications 40% (formal assessments: essays, tests, speeches, etc.) Reading and Writing Skills 35% (reading strategies and good writing components, dialectical journals, prewriting, etc.) Content Knowledge/Vocabulary 14% (background information on authors, time periods, vocabulary, literary and poetry terms, etc.) * Academic Responsibility 11% (timeliness of assignments turned in, correct format, completion, daily homework, tardies, etc.) Please keep checking grades and having the conversation about what skills, knowledge, and applications you (or your student) needs to improve upon. I am always willing to help strengthen your English writing or reading weaknesses or improve upon your talents. Email me with your thoughts, questions, critiques, or accolades regarding your student. With sincere regards, Mrs. Michele L. Davis Literary/Arts Magazine Sponsor Student Council Class Sponsor