Grades

At BILA, all teachers follow the same standardized grading policy, as outlined below.

HOW ARE GRADES CALCULATED?

At BILA, there are six marking periods in each academic year. Each marking period, students receive an academic grade that reflects their performance on five categories of assignments:

  • Classwork = 20%
  • Homework = 20%
  • Quizzes = 20%
  • Projects/Essays = 20%
  • Unit Test/Final Exam = 20%

Each of these categories contributes 20% of a student's final grade for the marking period or semester.

Please note: Most teachers assign numerous Classwork and Homework assignments during a Marking Period. As a result, one Homework or Classwork assignment may not affect a student's grade very much. However, most classes have only one Unit Exam per marking period, and may only have two or three Projects or Quizzes. As a result, assignments in these categories will have a much bigger impact on a student's final grade.

DO YOU FOLLOW A 'NO-ZERO' GRADING POLICY?

In the last decade, educators have reevaluated grading policies after finding that giving a '0' for missing assignments skews grades to be less reflective of student learning. As a result, teachers at BILA do not give grades below 45%, even for missing work.

If you are interested in knowing more about this policy, this Edutopia article and commentary offers an excellent overview of the debate and a range of views from parents, educators, and students.

HOW DO I KNOW MY GRADES/MY STUDENT'S GRADES?

Jupiter Ed

BILA uses JupiterEd, an online gradebook. Students and their families can use personalized log-in information to access a student's grades and contact teachers.

If you are a current student or family member and would like help accessing Jupiter Ed, contact our webmaster.

WHEN ARE GRADES CALCULATED?

BILA teachers update grades weekly on Sunday.

WHAT ABOUT MISSED CLASSES?

Regardless of why a student missed class, the student is responsible for checking with teachers to pick up any work they missed. These assignments are due the next time the class meets.

If a student is seriously ill or cannot complete their missed work immediately, please contact the student's advisor for help making a plan so that the student can complete the missed work.

WHAT ABOUT LATE WORK?

Teachers will deduct 20% from the final grade on an assignment if it is submitted late. Late work will not be accepted more than one week after the due date.