FALL SEMESTER GRADING POLICY, 7th & 8th grade
WIND SYMPHONY, SYMPHONIC BAND, CONCERT BAND
(Cadet Band will follow the beginner band grading policy.)
(DIsclaimer: This policy will follow the current CFBISD grading policy outlined for Dan F Long Middle School. When the CFB policy changes so will the DFL policy. Should any part of the information below conflict with the district policy, the district policy will apply.)
1. ASSESSEMENTS
Summative grades: generally one to four tests per week except prior to performances. Tests will be graded 0-100. Anything less than 70 will be retested, however any test may be retaken for a maximum grade of 95. The original grade will be replaced by the new grade, even if it is a lower grade. If a test grade is less than 70, the student should redo the assignment again (or as many times as necessary until passed). Any assignments which are not completed by the end of the six week cycle will be recorded as a zero. (Remember, all tests should be passed by the end of the six weeks; it will be the student's responsibility to replay performance tests or written tests outside of class time.) Concerts, contests and public performances are considered major test grades (see #3).
Formative grades: daily rehearsal habits, written definitions, rhythm diagram work sheets, or other types of work sheets, short music excerpts prior to a major playing test, and daily at-home practice habits. This is not intended to be all inclusive.
The current grade in the class is based on an average of the summative grades. Formative grades are only indicators of a student's learning and a preparation for the student to take the summative assessment.
2. HONOR BAND MEMBERS:
are attentive without talking, not disruptive, play on instruments at the proper times, always have horn (working properly), music, pencil, extra good reeds, sticks (percussion), mouthpieces, and are never tardy.
3. ABSENCE FROM PERFORMANCE:
can be excused with no penalty if the absence is due to a family emergency or serious illness. Other excuses cannot be accepted. The student (unexcused) will be removed from the band on a temporary (or possibly permanent) basis. This is the most serious infraction since a band depends upon every individual to carry his portion of the load and support the entire group. Any absence should be cleared as quickly as possible. (Absence due to No Pass/No Play is excused. However, students who fail a subject at the six weeks should check with the band directors to see if he is eligible----restrictions do NOT apply in all cases.)
4. PRACTICE
Practice outside of band time is important to the success of the student. The minimum amount of daily practice time is 25 minutes. Below is more detailed information about the practice report requirement.
The minimum time requirement does not have to be done at one time (especially when first learning to play an instrument. Short frequent practice sessions make for a good beginning.)
5. POSTED GRADES
Student’s grades are posted on the bulletin board or the wall next to it. Portions of the area will be marked off for each group. Students are encouraged to frequently check their grades and retake every test where a low grade is recorded. Any test may be retaken as many times as necessary for a maximum grade of 95. These retakes (or makeup) must, however, be completed before the end of the six weeks grading period.
6. CASE IDENTIFICATION
Each student should have clear identification on the outside of their instrument. A luggage tag or masking tape works well. Labels will be printed for students at school within two weeks. If your name tag comes off you should replace it as soon as possible. (Percussionists should keep their sticks in a stick bag and NEVER leave it at school.)