English 110 — Fall 2023
Download PDF
Transparent Grading
What is Transparent Grading?
- It’s a grading system based entirely on your participation, attendance, and completion of homework, assignments, and revisions. Basically, if you can show up and turn in your assignments on time, you will receive top grades.
- This is different from the traditional grading method, in which teachers’ judge the quality of a student’s work in comparison with the rest of the class. Research has shown that this method can be racially biased and ineffective at improving student writing.
- This grading system is based on the “grading contract” developed by scholars Peter Elbow and Asao Inoue and adapted by Missy Watson, Nicole Howell, and Kate Navickas.
Why Transparent Grading?
- Helps you take risks and explore different ways of writing, which is better for your writing development than trying to write whatever you think will get you a higher grade.
- Gives you a clear understanding of your grade throughout the semester (see page 2)
- Gives all students a chance to earn high grades, regardless of your different English language writing backgrounds and experiences.
- Values and rewards the time, effort and, labor you decide to commit to the class.
Are Classes with Transparent Grading Easy? Nope!
This class is demanding, with writing assignments every week and the expectation that you will make efforts to improve your writing and editing skills. While transparent grading is based on quantifiable outcomes (attendance, participation, completed work), quality matters too, and quality writing comes from a multi-step process:
- Each major essay and project will be substantially revised based on the feedback you receive. (You’ll see in the class calendar that there is time provided for revisions.)
- You will be graded not only on your own work but the thoughtful feedback you provide on the writings of your classmates
Extensions and Make-up Assignments (Because life happens)
If you need extra time to complete an assignment, please reach out to me. But keep in mind:
- There must be a special circumstance that warrants the request.
- You have to contact me at least THRE (3) days before the assignment is due.
If you have fallen behind and are worried about your grade, schedule a meeting with me to talk about if you can complete an extra assignment, such as researching and writing about a course-related topic or meeting with a consultant at the Writing Center.
The 100 Point Breakdown
Four (4) Major Assignments: 60 total points
- Language & Literacy Narrative On time: 15 points
- Literature Review -1 point for every day late
- Persuasive Essays No credit after 15 days late
- Self-Assessment Essay
Three (3) Minor Assignments: 15 total points
- First Drafts of the 1st 3 Major Assignments On time: 5 points -1 point for every day late No credit after 4 days late
Ten (10) Homework Assignments: 15 total points
On time: 1.5 points
-0.2 points for every day late
No credit after 8 days late
Attendance: 5 total points*
- 0-2 unexcused absences: 5 points
- 3-4 unexcused absences: 4 points
- 5-7 unexcused absences: 0 points
You are required to attend required classes and to be on time. Being a few minutes late a few times in a semester is understandable, but we may need to talk if lateness becomes a problem. If extenuating circumstances prevent you from attending class, do not hesitate to contact me so that we can determine how to proceed.
*With 8 or more absences, it’s up to your instructor to decide whether you can pass the class.
Class Participation, and Peer Feedback: 5 total points
This class requires your active participation and willingness to work with your peers. While it’s understood that everyone has good days and bad, this class requires your participation (by actively listening, taking notes, asking questions, offering comments, etc.). It is also expected that you will work cooperatively and collegially in groups, to share your writing, to listen supportively to the writing of others, and, when called for, to give full and thoughtful assessments that help your colleagues consider ways to revise.
