diff --git a/index.md b/index.md
index 3628f2ed3ff92036fb6bb75a8cbd81fc7fef6104..eed8c5a09befcaea4400646a441f314f71b51886 100755
--- a/index.md
+++ b/index.md
@@ -210,8 +210,10 @@ accessibly and turning in accessible documents.
 
 ## Grading Approach
 We’ll be using competency based grading for most elements of this
-class. We have a set of core learning goals in this class. If you
-learn them all, and participate in the class, you get an A. 
+class. We have a set of core learning goals in this class. For each of
+them, you may be "competent" or "excellent". If you excel at them all,
+and participate in the class, you get an 4.0. Various combinations of
+"competent" "excellent" and "not competent" result in other grades.
 
 Many of these competencies are assessed repeatedly. I don't care if
 you get them wrong at first, as long as you eventually learn them.
@@ -219,7 +221,6 @@ you get them wrong at first, as long as you eventually learn them.
 Some are assessed less frequently. For those, you have the opportunity
 to request a regrade if you feel you've improved on them.
 
-
 ## Grading Breakdown (tentative)
 Grades will be assigned approximately as follows:
 
diff --git a/slides/syllabus.html b/slides/syllabus.html
index 773f84c5936c0f300906269ac2894b7b338862f3..004b5968ece4b29986b0bce590e9ffeb80fd13c9 100644
--- a/slides/syllabus.html
+++ b/slides/syllabus.html
@@ -124,7 +124,7 @@ This approach was selected because it prioritizes *accessibility* and *justice*
 
 You can find all of the competencies under "[Outcomes](https://canvas.uw.edu/courses/1619674/outcomes)" on canvas
 
-They fall into three categories (this is still being refined)
+They fall into three categories
 - Accessibility Compliance (e.g. accessibility checking)
 - Accessible Media and Documents (e.g. writing alt text, presenting accessibly)
 - Disability Awareness and Justice (How you pick problems and do disability centered design)
@@ -132,6 +132,18 @@ They fall into three categories (this is still being refined)
 ???
 
 This is the first time I'm grading this way, so we may make adjustments based on how it goes. Feedback welcome.
+---
+# How Competencies Translate to Grades
+On any competency, you may be rated as below competent, competent or excellent
+
+In each category (accessibility compliance; accessible media and documents; and disability awareness and justice) your grade is calculated based on how many "excellent" and "competent" scores you have
+ - all execellents in all categories is a 4.0; 
+ - 1 excellent in all categories is a 3.2. 
+ - 1  not competent in any competency in a category is 3.2
+ - More not competents drops your grade further
+ 
+After each category is graded, these grades are averaged.
+
 ---
 #  Programming Expectations