First, there are still some of you who are not responding to essays as expected. This is your last chance to do so: essay argument response rubric

I just finished getting the second essay revisions back to those who submitted them. If you are expecting one back, but don't yet have it, I'm assuming I didn't get it submitted to me. These revisions showed marked improvement for the most part. The average grade rose from 1.87 to 2.67, essentially a low C to a B-. The median grade rose from 1.7 to 2.7, from a C- to a B-. To me this indicates that you are getting what I want you to learn (and what others will expect that you have learned when you write for them). Good work! The overall class average and median for those who are continuing to do the work as expected is 2.5, which is more or less typical for my classes and students. Both will likely nudge a bit higher before the end of the term.

Today and tomorrow I'll be reading the drafts of your final essay. Revisions for essay three are due by midnight Monday, though I have received some already. I'll get to those as quick as I can. Revisions for essay four, which I plan to return by this coming Monday, will be due by midnight Wednesday, but sooner will be appreciated because, like you, I don't want to work any more than I have to, especially once the quarter is "officially" over. When I return the remaining essays, I'll continue to provide a "grade to date." On the final, if your essay average is above a 2.0, I'll look to adding in the participation points, but may not get those done in time. I'll provide a note about this one whichever way things go so you have a clear idea where you stand. Grades will be submitted by me by the end of next week, though I don't know when they will be made available to you. You should, though, have a clear idea of your minimum likely grade by the time your final essay is returned.