While it looks complex at first, the grading for this course is in some ways simpler than what you are used to in other courses.

Labor-Based Grading

We are using labor-based grading in this course. You may know this as "pass/fail" or "completion" grading but the structure here is a little different as it is broken into "blocks" of assignments which determine your final letter grade.

This semester, we are using what is called “labor-based grading.” This means, you will not be given percentage points or “scores” on assignments (you will still get substantive feedback from me on your work!). Instead, you will be given a grade of “complete” or “incomplete” on each item you turn in. In this case, "complete" means "satisfactory" and not "done." Missing assignments are, of course, incomplete. Each assignment lists, in detail, what is required for a ‘satisfactory’ (complete) grade and this is usually what would count as ‘B-level’ work.

Two Blocks

Assignments in this course are listed in two “blocks” or categories.

Block 1 assignments are those which assure you have met the minimum requirements of the course to achieve the course objectives (and earn a C grade).
Block 2 assignments go ‘beyond’ the course objectives. They are additional work and ask that you engage more deeply with course content, apply what you’ve learned, and reflect on the course materials.

For example:

Block 1 work involves engaging in synchronous sessions. Block 2 work involves leading a synchronous session.
For the two projects in this course (a midterm and a final) (there are no exams), there is a project proposal, draft, and final submission in Block 1. But each project also provides an opportunity for you to do a peer review and a reflection (two extra assignments) in Block 2.

At the end of the course, you grade will be based on what you have completed and what has been completed at the satisfactory level as follows:

A All work in Block 1 is done at the satisfactory level and all work in Block 2 is done at the satisfactory level.
B All work in Block 1 is done at the satisfactory level and at least 4 assignments (half) in Block 2 are done at the satisfactory level.
C All work in Block 1 is done at the satisfactory level.
D All work in Block 1 is done, but not all satisfactorily.
F Only some or no work is done in Block 1.

In addition to the gradebook, you can see how this work is broken up under the "Assignments" area by clicking on "Show By Type" at the top of the page.

Flexibility Tokens

You start the semester with five "tokens." These tokens can be used throughout the semester to create flexibility while still allowing me to track your progress. To use a token, just let me know you would like to. Tokens may be used no questions asked. If you need greater flexibility than what the tokens allow, please let me know ASAP and we will work something out.

Twice during the semester you may "turn in" a token to revise a previous assignment. Use these tokens if you need to update your work to reach the level of complete/satisfactory. Note that not all 'assignments' can be revised ("Synchronous Engagement" is based on your actual participation).
Twice during the semester you may "turn in" a token to ignore a due date and turn in an assignment late. Note that not all 'assignments' can be turned in late ("Synchronous Engagement" is based on your actual participation, "Peer Review" cannot be late because your peers rely on it being on time).
Once during the semester you may "turn in" a token as a synchronous engagement make-up. This means one Slate 1 'Synchronous Engagement' assignment will be marked 'complete' if instead you provide a brief response to a writing prompt.

What about AB, BC, and CD?

Having 3, 4, or all of your 5 tokens left (still marked "complete") at the end of the semester will boost you one grade on the Registrar's scale. This means, if you are at a B (above), you will get an AB; if you are at a C (above), you will get a BC; if you are at a D (above), you will get a CD.

How this looks in the Gradebook

Canvas is not built for this type of grading. Here is an overview of how the gradebook will look and what it actually means for you and your final grade.

To get an accurate picture of your progress, go to the "Grades" area of the the course. Make sure that the "Arrange By" dropdown at the top has "Assignment Group" selected. Know that the "Final Grade" will not be correct until I enter your actual grade at the end of the semester. Instead, I encourage you to use the information above to determine what your grade will be. You can (and should) also ask me any time you are confused so I can clarify.

You will see several assignment groups listed each worth "0%" of your final grade. This is not a mistake. They are worth 0% because they are only used to track your completed assignments and your tokens! Here are the groups:

Token Tracking

The "Token Tracking" assignment group contains five 'grades' for your five tokens. The names of the assignments have a 🎫 ticket emoji on them for quick identification. These work the opposite of a 'normal' grade item. You start with a "complete" grade and are given an "incomplete" when you use your ticket. At the end of the semester I will use these values to determine your final letter grade in SIS (see "But what about AB, BC, and CD?" above).

Assignments - Block 1

The second group of assignments is called "Assignments - Block 1." Assignments in this group have a 🏅 medal emoji on them for quick identification. I will enter "complete" when you have earned a "satisfactory" grade on these assignments; this will appear in the gradebook as a checkmark (satisfactory/complete) or an X (unsatisfactory, incomplete, or missing). See the letter grade list above to see the implications of this for Block 1.

Assignments - Block 2

The third group is called "Assignments - Block 2." These assignments are indicated with a 🏆 trophy emoji and work just like those in Block 1. See the letter grade list above to understand how these "completed" items will affect your final grade.

Final Grade Calculation

I will enter your final grade (📌 pushpin emoji) at the end of the semester. See the requirements for letter grades list above as well as "But what about AB, BC, and CD?" to see how this letter is determined.

Notice that this category is worth 100% of your grade and is only one grade item. This is basically so that I can manually enter your grades at the end of the semester based on the above information. Your final grade for the semester is all that actually 'counts.' Canvas requires that I enter a number, but please ignore the number or percentage that you see there. Only the letter matters!