Algebra 2A Grading Policy

All of the Algebra 2 teachers here at Glendale High School deam this class as extremely important. Not only is it the gateway class to higher math either here at GHS or in college, but this is also a critical class as far as getting into a college or university.

Thus starting last year, the department implemented the policy that the only grades a student can earn in the first semester of Algebra 2 are A, B, C or F.

Why no D's? Here are the reasons.

1. Since this is such a critical component in the college acceptance process, shooting for a D is not acceptable. A senior who gets a D in this class could be jepodizing their acceptance into the college they really want to go to. All other grade levels are now looking at summer school time to improve the grade instead of using summer school for other classes they may want to get out of the way.

2. The vast majority of the first semester of Algebra 2 is review of Algebra 1AB, a course that they have already passed. Getting a grade lower than the first time on the same material does not look good.

3. The second semester of Algebra 2 is difficult and all new material. Without a solid C or higher background in the first semester, the probability of the student doing poorly greatly increases if allowed to continue on.

4. Many college and university math placement tests have Algebra 2 material on them. Doing poorly on these tests would lead the student to spend money taking remedial classes in college that do not give them any college credit.

5. It is working. The year before this policy went into effect, the failure rate in the class was around 33%. This past year, it dropped down to around 18%. It works because when kids are faced with a challenging expectation, they more times than not rise up meet the challenge.

The students are not without support. All of the Algebra 2 teachers are dedicated to helping the students meet this expectation. All of us have tutoring hours, some before school, some during lunch, and others after school.
We all focus on the key skills and standards that the students must know in order to be successful in the second semester. We value this so much that we have special quizzes that focus on important first semester standard skills and make it a class requirement that a student pass 12 out of the 16 skills. These are not one time deals either. Students have time to restudy and retake these skill quizzes multiple times thoughout the semester.

All of this is to give the student the best advantage as they move forward either here at GHS or in college. I am very confident that you son/daughter will perform well and meet the challenge set before them.