📝 Grading Policy

Retake Request Process

A parent-friendly walkthrough of how retakes work in 7th Grade Science — what's standard, what's possible, and how scholars apply.

📋 The Policy in One Sentence

Every scholar is offered one (1) standard retake per grading period on a quiz or test of their choice — earned by completing a thoughtful written reflection that demonstrates ownership of the original outcome and a concrete plan to do better. Beyond that, scholars may advocate for themselves by submitting a special-circumstances request that makes a clear, professional case for why an additional opportunity is warranted. This policy was outlined in the syllabus that came home at the beginning of the school year.

🎯

Why I Offer Retakes

The grade should reflect what your scholar has learned — not their worst day.

A grade should reflect what a scholar actually understands, but the path to that grade should build something just as important: the ability to own a setback, name what went wrong, and advocate for the next opportunity in a clear, professional way. Retakes are not a safety net — they are a structured chance for scholars to take responsibility, study with intention, and prove mastery. The reflection is where that work begins.

📝

How a Retake Request Works

Five steps, start to finish.

1

Scholar logs into the Learning Portal

From the Assignments & Assessments page on drijezie.com, they sign in, pick the assignment, and tap 🔁 Request a Retake.

2

They write a thoughtful reflection — in their own voice

The form asks the scholar to identify the assignment, take honest ownership of what went wrong (preparation, study habits, misconceptions, focus on test day), and lay out a specific, professional plan for the retake — a tutoring appointment, redone notes, a study session, practice problems, or office hours. Vague answers ("I'll study more") are sent back for a real revision. The reflection is the assignment before the assignment.

3

Dr. Ijezie reviews the request

I read every request personally and weigh it on its merits. A standard retake is approved when the reflection shows genuine accountability and a credible plan — not because the form was filled out. A special-circumstances request is evaluated as a piece of self-advocacy: did the scholar make a thoughtful, professional case for why an additional opportunity is warranted, and what are they committing to in return? If the reflection isn't there yet, I send it back with feedback so the scholar can revise — that is part of the learning, too.

4

The scholar follows through — on every commitment

Approval comes with a defined window (typically one week) and the scholar is held to the exact study plan they proposed: review the original assessment, redo missed problems, attend the tutoring or office hours session they named, and arrive prepared. Following through on the reflection is the price of the retake. Showing up without having done the work forfeits the retake and the original score stands.

5

They take the new version

The retake is a fresh version of the assessment covering the same standards. The higher of the two scores replaces the original in the gradebook. One growth, recorded.

⚖️

Two Kinds of Retakes

Both are real options. Both are encouraged when appropriate.

✅ The Standard Retake

Every scholar is offered one retake per grading period. The retake is earned by completing a thoughtful reflection that owns the original outcome and lays out a real study plan — then doing the work.

Eligibility:

  • Any quiz or test
  • 1 per grading period
  • Same grading period only

⭐ The Special-Circumstances Retake

Already used this period's retake, or facing something out of the ordinary? Scholars are expected to advocate for themselves in writing — a thoughtful, professional reflection that names the circumstance, takes ownership of what's within their control, and proposes a concrete plan. Strong cases are approved. Weak ones are sent back for revision.

Common reasons I approve:

  • Illness on test day
  • Family emergency
  • Genuine concept gap
  • Mastery push
💬

Parent FAQ

The questions parents ask me most often.

Can I submit the request for my scholar?
The request must come from the scholar through the Assignments & Assessments page — advocating for themselves in writing is the whole point. Please help them log in, push back on a thin reflection, and hold them to the study plan they commit to. Partnership reinforces accountability; it doesn't replace it.
Does the retake replace the original grade?
The higher of the two scores stays in the gradebook. Your scholar can never lose ground by retaking.
Is there a deadline?
Yes — retakes must be requested and completed within the same grading period as the original assessment. Once the period closes, the grade is locked.
What if my scholar already used this period's retake and is struggling again?
Have your scholar submit a special-circumstances request and make their case in writing. A thoughtful, honest reflection — one that owns what's within their control and proposes a real plan — gets serious consideration. The goal is to build the muscle of advocating for yourself professionally, not to hand out extra chances by default.
Will retaking hurt my scholar's reputation or class participation grade?
The opposite. Owning a setback in writing and advocating for the next opportunity is exactly the kind of professional behavior I want to see. It tells me your scholar is taking responsibility for their learning — a skill that matters far beyond 7th grade science.
What if I have a question that isn't here?
Reach out anytime — use the contact page or send me a ParentSquare message. I respond to every parent inquiry.

Ready to Submit a Request?

Scholars submit their request directly from the Assignments & Assessments page on drijezie.com. Parents, feel free to sit beside them and walk through it together.

🔁 Submit a Retake Request 📧 Contact Dr. Ijezie