Policy 7111 – Grading Systems

The Board of Education recognizes that the classroom teacher has the primary responsibility to evaluate students and determine student grades.  Grading is considered a positive tool to indicate achievement and development in each class or subject area in which a student is enrolled.

The District will utilize a grading system that is clearly defined and made available to parents and students.  Classroom teachers will evaluate students and assign grades according to the established system.  Grading will not be used for disciplinary purposes.

It is to be recognized that a student is an individual with his/her own abilities and capabilities.  It is also recognized that an individual is part of a society which is achievement-oriented and competitive in nature.  Hence, when a student’s achievement is evaluated, attention should be given to his/her unique characteristics and to accepted standards of performance in the educational setting as outlined in I.E.P.

All students are expected to complete the assigned class work and homework as directed.  Students are also expected to participate meaningfully in class discussions and activities in order to receive course credit.  If work is missed due to absence, the student is expected to make up the work.  The student and/or the student’s parent(s) or guardian(s) should discuss with the student’s teacher an appropriate means of making up the missed work.  With the possible exception of absences intended by the student as a means of gaining an unfair academic advantage (e.g., to secure more time to study for a test), every effort will be made to provide students with the opportunity and assistance to make up all work missed as a result of absence from class.

Grading will be based, in part, upon student improvement, achievement, and participation in classroom discussions and activities.

The professional judgment of the teacher should be respected.  Once a grade is assigned to a student by a teacher, the grade may only be changed by the building administrator or Superintendent after notification to the teacher of the reason for such change.  Should an administrator enforce a grade change, he/she shall report this to the Superintendent of School and/or the Board.

Adopted:  4/25/01