This grade reflects any number of things that can't be accounted for in the major assignments. It is highly subjective, and open to my discretion, but it also something that you have the most control over. I'll consider your grade in light of the following elements:

A: Students who receive an A for an Engagement grade are clearly involved with whatever is going on in-class and self-starters. They frequently contribute nearly every period, and show that they have been thinking about the material we have covered. The things they say open up possibilities, make connections, encourage others, and deepen our learning. They are exceptionally open-minded. They do excellent work in-class, including any quizzes, and they take every opportunity to learn and grow. Not only have they read all of the books closely, but they also come to class prepared to engage their classmates. They lead discussions rather than follow them. You can always count on them to lead us into new and interesting directions. They are above average students.

B: Students who receive a B are clearly interested in what other people have to say and clearly demonstrate that they are following the material. They sometimes contribute to discussions, and offer interesting ideas that advance our learning, but more often listen, or make occasional comments. They contribute, but not to the consistently active level of A students. The things they say may be limited to plot, or reactions that limit our discussions. They do very well on all assignments.

C: C represents a passing, acceptable grade. Students who receive a C rarely or infrequently contribute, or talk only when called on. It is clear that they are listening, and are great students otherwise. They do everything they are supposed to in order to pass. They do fairly well on any quizzes or in-class work.

D: Students who receive a D miss an unacceptable amount of times, or one could not reasonably say that they have contributed to class or gathered the same number of experiences as other members of the class. Or, when they are in class, students who receive a D are clearly doing something else, like reading from a book, writing notes, or anything that shows they are not involved with what is going on in the course.

F: Students who receive an F stop coming, or miss more than a reasonable or acceptable amount of classes.