Test (or Project) Correction Policy
Unit tests and unit projects are a big part of my students' grades. I want all students to have a chance to go back and relearn material they have trouble with on a test or project, and I want their grade to reflect those improvements. I also want all students to take classwork, homework, test review, and tests and unit projects seriously as they happen, not wait till disaster strikes and then try to catch up. My policy on corrections tries to balance these goals.
If you score below 70 on a unit test or unit project, you really need to do corrections. I don’t want anyone to have below a C, and I know you can catch up if you work at it!
How To Get Higher Test Scores
The best way to get a high score on a test is to do it on test day. If you didn't take test review seriously in class or for homework, rethink that for next time and you'll probably find it helps you get a better score on the next test.
You can raise your score on a test or project significantly by doing corrections, though. Each correction will earn you half the missing points back. Another way to think of this is that your post-correction test or project score is the average of your old score and your corrected score. (If your score is really low, ask me about the possibility of doing a retake after you review and relearn the concepts.)
Examples: with full corrections, a 90 (A-) would become a 95 (A), an 86 (B) would become a 93 (A), an 80 (B-) would become a 90 (A-), a 72 (C-) would become an 86 (B), and a 60 (D-) would become an 80 (B-).
(Some exceptions for higher correction or retake credit may be made in the case of excused absences.)
How To Do Corrections
If you've lost your test, ask me if I have a copy. I usually scan graded tests before returning them, and could probably reprint yours.
Your corrections must be easily identifiable (I don't want to have to reread your whole test or project). You can do them on the original paper and mark them clearly (highlighters are great for this), do them on a new copy of the test, or do them on a separate piece of notebook paper, clearly labeling all problems.
WRITE YOUR NAME on any new pieces of paper with corrections. If possible, staple them to the original test or project for easy reference.
Each corrected problem should include a written explanation of what was wrong and how you fixed it (for instance, explain you mixed up factors and multiples, then do the problem correctly). The explanation can be brief, and if you're working with me after school, you can explain out loud instead. I just don't want to see anyone simply copying down the right final answers. Show work!!
Don't hand in correction work on extra credit problems, if there are any. Those are a one-time opportunity on test day.
There will sometimes be two due dates for corrections: one for first attempts (generally a week after the test is returned), and one for final corrections. Basically, you only get points for corrections that are actually correct, so if you want a second chance, you need to get me your corrections before the final due date so I can help you catch any errors.
Where To Do Corrections, and Who Can Help
Work on corrections at home, or at school outside of class time (especially after school). Students often find that just working in a calmer environment helps them remember some things they felt confused about on the original test.
You can get help from ANYONE with corrections: me, your friend, your parent or guardian, another adult, Khan Academy or elsewhere on the web, ... You can use a calculator and, of course, your class notes.
Ask me for help after school if you need it!! I am often available on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. If possible, let me know you’re coming so I’m sure to be in my room. If those times don't work, contact me and we can try to work something else out.
Where to Put Corrections
When you finish corrections, put them in your period's in-box in Room 203.
Did I leave anything out? Please let me know if something was unclear.
If you score below 70 on a unit test or unit project, you really need to do corrections. I don’t want anyone to have below a C, and I know you can catch up if you work at it!
How To Get Higher Test Scores
The best way to get a high score on a test is to do it on test day. If you didn't take test review seriously in class or for homework, rethink that for next time and you'll probably find it helps you get a better score on the next test.
You can raise your score on a test or project significantly by doing corrections, though. Each correction will earn you half the missing points back. Another way to think of this is that your post-correction test or project score is the average of your old score and your corrected score. (If your score is really low, ask me about the possibility of doing a retake after you review and relearn the concepts.)
Examples: with full corrections, a 90 (A-) would become a 95 (A), an 86 (B) would become a 93 (A), an 80 (B-) would become a 90 (A-), a 72 (C-) would become an 86 (B), and a 60 (D-) would become an 80 (B-).
(Some exceptions for higher correction or retake credit may be made in the case of excused absences.)
How To Do Corrections
If you've lost your test, ask me if I have a copy. I usually scan graded tests before returning them, and could probably reprint yours.
Your corrections must be easily identifiable (I don't want to have to reread your whole test or project). You can do them on the original paper and mark them clearly (highlighters are great for this), do them on a new copy of the test, or do them on a separate piece of notebook paper, clearly labeling all problems.
WRITE YOUR NAME on any new pieces of paper with corrections. If possible, staple them to the original test or project for easy reference.
Each corrected problem should include a written explanation of what was wrong and how you fixed it (for instance, explain you mixed up factors and multiples, then do the problem correctly). The explanation can be brief, and if you're working with me after school, you can explain out loud instead. I just don't want to see anyone simply copying down the right final answers. Show work!!
Don't hand in correction work on extra credit problems, if there are any. Those are a one-time opportunity on test day.
There will sometimes be two due dates for corrections: one for first attempts (generally a week after the test is returned), and one for final corrections. Basically, you only get points for corrections that are actually correct, so if you want a second chance, you need to get me your corrections before the final due date so I can help you catch any errors.
Where To Do Corrections, and Who Can Help
Work on corrections at home, or at school outside of class time (especially after school). Students often find that just working in a calmer environment helps them remember some things they felt confused about on the original test.
You can get help from ANYONE with corrections: me, your friend, your parent or guardian, another adult, Khan Academy or elsewhere on the web, ... You can use a calculator and, of course, your class notes.
Ask me for help after school if you need it!! I am often available on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. If possible, let me know you’re coming so I’m sure to be in my room. If those times don't work, contact me and we can try to work something else out.
Where to Put Corrections
When you finish corrections, put them in your period's in-box in Room 203.
Did I leave anything out? Please let me know if something was unclear.