Contract Grading

Grading:

To calculate grades, I will use a contract grading method ^[1], which places emphasis on the level of your effort and engagement in the course, rather than simply on the quality of your writing. Years of research have proven that the most effective way to improve your writing is to write as much as you can while talking about, reflecting on, and revising that writing … and this grading method makes all of this possible within the framework of our course.

Additionally, contract grading is freeing for both teachers and students, allowing us “to think more about writing and less about grades” (Danielewicz and Elbow, 2009, p. 249). With less focus on the grade, we can all focus more on the feedback and the overall learning that happens when we write. I want you to be able to approach the class and its activities with a sense of curiosity, enthusiasm, and excitement and with less fear and worry. Ultimately, I hope this will encourage you to trust yourself and the process, let yourself make mistakes, take feedback into consideration, and engage in dialogue with me about your projects and writing (rather than your grade).

Getting a “B”

You earn the grade of at least “B” entirely on the basis of what you do—on your conscientious effort and participation. Beyond meeting the minimum requirements of the assignment, the grade of at least B does not derive from my judgment about the quality of your writing.

The grade of at least “B” is guaranteed based on the following expectations:

1. Weekly Work:
   • You can “make-up” two weekly assignments (participation notebooks and writing activities) and still satisfy the “B” contract. (These can be completed at any point throughout the quarter.) Any more than that will fall short of the “B” contract.
   • You can miss two weekly assignments (participation notebooks and writing activities) and still satisfy the “B” contract. Any more than that will fall short of the “B” contract.
2. Major Assignments:
   • You must complete all major projects including rough drafts, peer-response sessions, and final drafts.
   • You can “make-up” one major assignment while still satisfying the “B” contract.
3. CLAS Tutorial Sessions:
   You must attend at least two CLAS writing tutorial sessions throughout the quarter.
4. Level of Engagement:
   • You should give thoughtful peer feedback during each group peer response session.
   • You should demonstrate sustained effort and investment on each draft of all papers.
   • You should make substantive revisions between drafts—extending or changing the thinking or organization—not just editing or touching up.
   • You should be present and involved in class discussions and activities as much as circumstances will allow, attending at least 80% of the class sessions.

Grades higher than a B, however, do factor in the quality of your writing, notable levels of sustained engagement, and an additional reflective component.

+/- Grades will be assigned at my discretion. They will be used in cases when your assignments and participation suggest you labored above and beyond the expectations (+) or the quality and completeness of your major projects, smaller assignments, and participation is lacking in one way or another (-). You are always welcome to ask about this!

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Getting Higher than a “B”

To earn grades higher than “B”, you must meet all of the expectations of the “B” contract (and more), attend at least 2 CLAS tutorial sessions, AND submit a contract self-assessment.

• A contract self-assessment is an 800-1000 word document in which you make an evidence-based argument that you have excelled beyond the standard “B” grade in the course. That is, demonstrate to me how you have not only satisfied the expectations of the “B” contract, but have done more. Ultimately, you should prove to me that you have dedicated exceptional attention to the development of your abilities as a writer. This can be demonstrated through:
  • The quality of work that you produce for the course,
  • Ways that you seek out and incorporate feedback from both me and your peers,
  • Revisions that you make to your work,
  • Notable attendance and engagement in both class and group discussions, including class workshop sessions,
  • Any addition CLAS appointments you have attended (beyond the 2 required for a “B”), and
  • Outstanding labor, time, and overall effort that you have dedicated to this course.
• The formatting and approach for the contract self-assessment is up to you, but it should demonstrate attention to detail and careful consideration of your choices, That is, while it can be written informally, it should have a clear structure, purpose, and intentionality.
• Note: While you must submit a contract self-assessment in order to earn a grade higher than a “B,” this self-assessment does not guarantee a higher grade. At the end of the quarter, I will read your argument and evaluate the final drafts of all of your major projects as well as your overall engagement to make this determination.

You must turn in all major projects to pass the class.

Your concerns are important to me. If you feel uncomfortable with this grading arrangement, please arrange an appointment with me within the first two weeks of the quarter. I’m happy to arrange an “opt out” for you and switch you over to a more traditional grading system.