The First Nine Weeks and Grades

So far in class, we have done a number of different things to determine your grade. Some of the things include:

Extra Credit Opportunities (3) Student Information Survey, College Fair at Attucks, Observe Debate Meet

Come to Class Prepared--In proper attire, pen/pencil, agenda book, lined paper

Writing--Reflection Essay for 1st Debate, What I Learned So Far Essay

Reading/Research--Locate 5 Articles for 1st Debate, Look for 50 pieces of evidence for debate, Use of search engines for information, 5 Facts Assignment, Using electronic databases for research

Lecture Notes--From the first 6 weeks including these topics:

Debate Topic
Affirmative
Negative
Resolution
Order of Speaking and Time Limits
Constructive
Rebuttal
Cross-Examination
Important Definitions in Resolution
Aff. and Neg. Issues for Debate
Unified Analysis
Claim, Data, Warrant
Evidence--Tagline, Source, Data

Speaking--Power Word, Debate #1

Watching--60 Minute Story on Urban Debate, Student Congress Debate

Bellringers--Beginning of Class Responses

Terminology--53 Definitions Related to Debate

Classroom Assignments--Agenda Book Assignment, What Is In The Room Assignment

Those who have good grades in class mainly did two things: 1. Turned in Assignments on time and, 2. Took advantage of extra credit opportunities.

The major reason people did not do well was they did not turn in assignments even after verbal and written reminders.

Some students received an incomplete or "I" because of absence issues or multiple missing assignments. Students have until the end of the school day on Friday, November 6th to turn in missing assignments or the grade will revert to an "F"

With this being the first 9 weeks of a high school class I am giving some leeway due to the differences between this class and previous classes students experienced. Since we have block schedule classes, no tests, and "homework" is different than filling out a worksheet, the class has been a major change for most. Now that we know what is expected, the next nine weeks will be much better.