Portland Community College | Portland, Oregon

I have a unique grading system.  This class uses a Points Accrual grading system, NOT a percentage system.  This class is not about achieving or even attempting perfection, as perfection is unachievable.  Rather, this class is about making progress and moving forward.  Instead of having all students do all the assignments and determining grades based on percentage of correct answers, this class offers a wide variety of activities and assignments that students can choose from to earn the points needed to earn the grade they desire.  You begin at 0 points and complete class activities to increase your point value until you have the grade you want.  There are more activities offered in the class than are needed to earn an A.  This allows for student interests to guide their educational journey - they can complete only the activities they are interested in to further their own personal goals.

Think of it like a choose-your-own-adventure video game - you gather and gain points as you move through the levels of the game.  When you get to the end of the game (end of the term) - the point value you have decides your score (your grade).  You can also think of a progress bar with your desired grade at the end and you working your way through the bar to get to that goal grade.  Put another way - students can choose what grade they want to earn in the class and then submit work until they have earned enough points for that grade.

In the course modules, you will find "Core Info" which is information that is core to the class and topic.  These documents / videos are the base of knowledge to build on and must be completed to move on in the module.  Acquiring and learning Core Info does not earn any points - it is expected and necessary to complete the point earning activities though.  Once you have completed the Core Info, you are set to complete as many of the Learning Activities as you would like.  I grade and give feedback within 48 hours of the deadline passing.

This grading method recognizes and allows for the vast differences in student interests and career plans as well as learning styles and forms of communication, which empowers students and increases retention.

Points needed to earn an A: 400 or more
Points needed to earn a B: 300 – 399  
Points needed to earn a C: 200 – 299  
Points needed to earn a D: 1 – 199  

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