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Grading and Developmental Feedback Policy - Background and Frequently Asked Questions
The intent of our revised School Board policy on grading feedback is to accomplish two goals; to better align grading and reporting practices across all departments and teams, and to establish more formal processes to provide students with developmental feedback to assist in their growth. Departments and grade level teams have developed grading practices and procedures aligned to the Board's policy.
Revised Grading and Developmental Feedback Policy Q and A
Where can I read the policy?
A link to the grading policy is posted in the column on the right. If you've yet to read the policy, you're encouraged to do so.
What is different about this grading policy from this policy on grading and development feedback?
The existing policy is very short. The key phrase in the existing grading policy says "To the extent possible, grading criteria should be reasonably uniform." Under this policy there are as many policies as there are teachers in the district who administer grades.
The key phrases in the revised policy are "The purpose of grades is to accurately reflect individual student achievement as related to course objectives." and "The School Board recognizes that students learn best through a system of clear learning objectives, quality formative assessment, developmental feedback, and the opportunity to respond to that feedback."
The revised policy is explicit about expectations for communicating learning objectives, providing developmental feedback, and parameters for alignment of grading practices. Under the revised policy, grade-levels and departments will establish their own single, uniform policy that is aligned to the district policy.
Why the change?
As we become more aligned in our instructional practices to the goals of the District Focus Plan and Shared Commitments, we are better positioned to articulate and follow a set of expectations for helping all students learn. Furthermore, by aligning practices across departments parameters for grading will be more consistent, valid, and fair.
When was the policy changed?
The policy was reviewed at four school board meetings from April - July of 2009. The policy was developed by the district's Curriculum Evaluation Council, Administrative Team, and Teaching Staff starting in the 2006 school year.
Is there a new homework policy as well?
No. The same homework policy that was adopted in 2004 continues to be in place and will be in place next year as well. To read the homework policy in place since 2004 see the link in the column to the right.
Is it true that homework cannot be graded any more?
No, that is not true. The policy states explicitly that "Grades shall reflect student progress through a variety of assessments including, but not limited to such things as: in-class assignments and activities, homework assignments, portfolios or work samples, research projects, authentic performance assessments, quizzes, tests and examinations."
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