AUS_HS_Student Handbook2016-17 rev 6 16 16 -003- (1)

Measure of Academic Progress (MAP)
Each fall, winter, and spring students in the High School will take the Measure of Academic Progress (MAP) test for math,
reading, and language usage. The MAP results allow teachers to get immediate feedback of their student’s areas of strength, as
well as areas they need to focus their instruction. Taking the test at the beginning and end of the school year will also allow
teachers and students to reflect upon student growth in these areas. More information the MAP test can be found at
www.nwea.org/map.
TEXTBOOKS
As a 21 st century school, our students have access to many of our textbooks online. Each teacher will maintain a class set within
the classroom. When applicable, students have the option to use the online text or have a textbook issued to them. When a
textbook is issued, students must write their complete names in ink on the inside cover. Students are responsible for this book
and are expected to keep it in good condition. Some teachers may require students to put on a book cover. If students lose a
textbook it has to be cleared by the Finance Office. If a book is turned in damaged but still usable, students may have to pay a
percentage of the cost of a new book. Students will not receive a report card at the end of the year until all books are returned
in good condition and any lost or damaged books are paid.
ADVISORY
High school developers have widely promoted advisory programs as a way to strengthen connectedness at the high school level.
Broadly defined, advisory programs are configurations in which an adult advisor meets regularly with a group of students to
provide academic and social-emotional mentorship and support, to create personalization within the school, and to facilitate a
small peer community of learners (Association of Secondary Level Education, 2009). In the HS Advisory Program, a small group
of 10-13 students meet two times per week with an Advisory teacher from their grade level. These small, supportive groups’
help students check in with one another, gain information, and get prepared for success. On Tuesday and Wednesday, gradelevel
Advisory groups meet for a 30-minute period in which teachers and students work together on a program designed around
themes of development, service and community. Students are required to maintain an electronic portfolio of their work in the
Advisory class. This class is graded and students will receive a PASS/ FAIL grade.
Grading
Purpose of Reporting
The purpose of reporting is to communicate to parents and students specific and useful information about students' level of
proficiency in meeting learning goals, development of learning habits and identified areas of strength as well as areas for
growth.
Grading and promotion within the American United School of Kuwait will be based upon the degree of success an individual
student has achieved in completing the educational program designed to meet his/her unique needs. Every student will have the
opportunity to earn grades that reflect his/her ability to demonstrate learning outcomes and be graded only in accordance with
their achievement on material or information based on specified learning outcomes and approved curricula.
The bell curve will NOT be used as a basis for determining student grades.
Grading Elements
The grading scale for high school at AUS consists of sections for letter grades, percent grades, and descriptions of performance.
The grading scale is as follows:
Letter Grades Percent Grade Description of Performance
A 93-100% Outstanding Achievement. The student has mastered the
objectives in the subject area, shows initiative, applies knowledge
gained to new situations, and accepts responsibility for learning.
B 85-92% Above Average (High) Achievement. The student has mastered
most of the objectives in the subject area, is above average in
initiative, application of knowledge, and accepting responsibility
for learning.
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