Every Point Matters

As we rapidly approach the end of the year (20 more school days for seniors and 23 days before exams for everyone else) it is important to remember that every point matters! In each of your classes you have opportunities on a regular basis to complete in-class work, follow through on homework, engage in projects, take quizzes and tests and with each of these activities there is the chance to earn points towards the grade in the class. 

It is always interesting to me when I am talking to students about how much of a difference a few points can make between passing and failing or between a B+ and an A-. For some students, it is a struggle to get all of your work done. I get that. Some days life gets in the way and it can be hard, but even if you're turning in a partially completed assignment, it is better to get a 50% on the assignment for work that you did complete than taking a 0% by just not turning it in at all.

If you are struggling in the class and in jeopardy of not passing, it is essential that you maximize the small assignments that might be "easier" to complete 5 or 10 point assignments so that your entire grade doesn't hang in the balance of your semester exam or a large quarter test. You have far more control over how you will complete and earn points on the daily in-class and at-home assignments than you do on the tests and quizzes because you can use your notes, textbooks, and the support from your teacher and the academic assistants to be able to complete these activities while your tests and quizzes depend solely on the information you have in your head about the material. So please, try to make sure that you are taking full advantage of EVERY point opportunity and submit all work, even if it is only partially completed to give yourself the best chance of academic success in your classes.