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Instructor Handbook

Grading

Procedure for Grading and Submitting Assignments

Section 232.2463, Florida Statutes, determines the grading system.  All distance learning courses taught through our department follow this grading system.  That system is:

A = 90% - 100% Outstanding Progress 4 grade points
B = 80% - 89%  Above Average Progress 3 grade points
C = 70% - 79% Average Progress 2 grade points
D = 60% - 69% Lowest Acceptable Progress 1 grade point
E =  0% - 59% Failure 0 grade points

For mailed print distance courses, students have assignment cover sheets from the back of their study guide and are instructed to use one for each assignment they submit.  The instructor’s signature, the grade(s), and the date should all appear on the assignment cover sheet.  Make comments on the cover sheet, even if comments have been written on the assignments.  This will increase the student’s perception of the value of submitting well-prepared assignments, as well as increase their motivation to continue.

Online assignments are handled through the online system and so students should have consistent access to the assignments, instructor comments, and instructor email for any questions. Instructors should keep copies of all grades not entered within one of the online systems.

On occasion, a student may submit a written assignment that is incomplete (as when a question is overlooked or misinterpreted).  In some cases, an “I” (incomplete) may be issued for that assignment.  The student is expected to resubmit the assignment.

Minus Grading Scale

Effective summer 2009, the University of Florida will introduce minuses into the grading scale. Click here for more details.

Final Grades

  • In the event the instructor is not able to issue a final grade to a student (e.g., illness, absence), the Associate Director of Flexible Learning/Correspondence Study will handle the issuing of an appropriate grade through a substitute instructor.
  • The instructor may choose to use “+” or “-” on returned lessons.
  • Students have 32 weeks to complete their courses (16 weeks and then an additional 16 weeks). If a student has not completed the course after 32 weeks, instructors can issue a punitive "I" grade to allow the student to continue for a final 16 weeks or a failing “E" grade.
  • All final grades should be submitted via postal mail to our office or through our TACS online system. Click here for instructions.

Gordon Rule Assessment

Beginning with the Summer, 2009 C Term, there will be a writing evaluation option for all students in a section that offers Writing Requirements (aka Gordon Rule) Credit. The instructor will have two writing evaluation options:

  • Gordon Rule –Y: if the instructor takes no action, the student is automatically given credit for meeting the writing requirements of the course.
  • Gordon Rule – N: if the student does not meet the writing requirements of the section in terms of the Gordon Rule criteria/metrics, the instructor selects the No (N) option in the Gordon Rule drop-down menu. The student will then receive no credit towards the Gordon Rule requirements, although the student may still pass the class itself

     

    Please refer to the Gordon Rule Rubric for assessing the student's work in terms of meeting the writing requirement.