The Meaning of Grades

A (A+, A, A-) Excellent/Mastery
The student has demonstrated a full understanding of the subject matter, has capacity to analyze, shows evidence of critical and creative thinking. Excellent work demonstrating thorough preparation, genuine comprehension and synthesis, insight, and even originality.  Student demonstrates highly developed communication and presentation skills. The work is of outstanding quality according to the criteria established for evaluation. Student frequently goes above and beyond in all areas of assessment. The grade signifies not simply very good work but exceptionally fine work, citizenship, effort, and participation.  An “A” means work that ROCKS!

B (B+, B, B-) Good/Competent
The student has shown good comprehension of subject matter, evidence of critical and creative thought, familiarity with subject area, competence in communication and presentation skills, but none of the above to the degree found in A category. The student demonstrates good, thorough work, effort and participation.  The work demonstrates thorough preparation, a grasp of the subject matter, and a thorough command of the materials of the course.  The work is of very good quality according to evaluation criteria. A “B” is good, and something to be proud of.

C (C+, C, C-) Acceptable/Satisfactory
The student has demonstrated some understanding of subject matter, can assimilate and communicate basic aspects of the subject matter. The work is of satisfactory or adequate quality according to evaluation criteria. The work demonstrates an adequate, though not comprehensive, grasp of the subject matter.  Effort, participation, and citizenship may be lacking in some areas. Work is average, with much room for improvement.

D (D+, D, D-) Poor but passing
The student has demonstrated minimal understanding of the subject matter, poorly developed communication skills, inability to apply subject matter understanding in other contexts, little evidence of critical or creative thinking. The student demonstrates work, citizenship, effort, and participation that only barely qualify for academic credit.  The student’s work is shoddy and shows poor or inconsistent preparation.  The work is of unsatisfactory but passable quality according to evaluation criteria. Work is passable…but with a frown.

F (F+, F, F-) Unacceptable/Failing
The student has inadequate understanding of subject matter, failed to complete course requirements, shown no demonstration of critical thought, communication skills very poor. The work is clearly of unacceptable quality according to the evaluation criteria. Student demonstrates poor citizenship, effort, and participation. This is not a fun category to be in.