A Note About Grading Criteria

I'll evaluate you in each of the three categories to the above-right (TCOB [see below], Essay Drafts, and Critiques) twice each quarter. That effectively gives you six grades each nine-weeks, all weighted evenly. I'll also provide you a narrative assessment at each progress report and at the end of each nine-weeks.

In grading your essay drafts, here's what I'm looking for:

• Conference Draft: Your conference draft should be a completed draft. I'm not a word-counter, per se, but you should be in shouting distance of the minimum requirement. With some semblance of an ending. Maybe not the ending, but an ending. I don't expect conference drafts to be perfect, but you do need to show me you've made a good faith effort. If you do all that, you'll get full credit (100 points).
• Critique Draft: Your critique draft should show progress from your conference draft. I see myself as an editor in this process. I give you my educated opinion, and you do the hard work of sifting through it for whatever nuggets of wisdom you can find. The process is organic. I can't tell you exactly what I mean by "progress" because it's different for different pieces. Show me that you've really gotten back in under the hood. Also, critique drafts should be basically free of grammatical errors and typos. I'm not a freak about that, but it does save you the tedium of sifting through a million comments pointing out the same surface-level error. Plus it's a mark of self-respect to show some care in the work you present to your peers. You have a right, then, to expect that very same level of care and respect in return. Do all that and, again, you'll get full credit (100 points).

We'll talk specifically about what I'm looking for in your critiques right after I get back from Vermont, but you know the deal here. Written and oral components. In both cases, I want an insightful, articulate account of your reading experience. Two other adjectives: honest, authentic. And a noun: empathy.

Then, of course, your final portfolio will count for 20% of your final semester grade. The portfolio will consist of a revised, fully polished version of one (1) of your critique essays and a mystery assignment I will reveal later in the semester.

*