Academic Grading Policy

RESPONSIBILITIES
Teachers have the responsibility of grading student progress in their classes. Grades to be used are: A, A-, B+, B, B-, C+, C, C-, D+, D, D-, F, I (incomplete), P (pass), WP (withdraw passing), WF (withdraw failing). Academic credit will be issued for all grades except F, I, WP and WF.

GRADING SYSTEM
Teachers may utilize their own system of determining grades as long as the system is fair, consistent and accurately reflects the student’s progress in meeting the learning goals of the class.
Grading should be as objective as possible. Teachers should maintain enough documentation to defend the grades given if necessary.

STUDENT PERCEPTIONS
It is important that students understand the grading system from the very beginning of the course and that they perceive it as being fair. Teachers are required to provide each student with a disclosure statement at the beginning of each course which will include the class grading policies and procedures as well as outlining the course learning goals and objectives.

ATTENDANCE *This policy is presently under review.
Attendance may be a factor in academic grading only in band, choir, dance, orchestra and physical education classes. In all other classes, attendance will only be a factor in the citizenship grade.

PASS/FAIL OPTION
Students may elect to take one course per semester on a Pass/Fail basis. In order to do so, the student must pick up a Pass/Fail agreement form from the teacher. Pass/Fail agreements must be finalized by midterm. It must be signed by the teacher, student and parent. After that point in time, students may not select the pass/fail option. P grades do not affect the cumulative G.P.A.

GRADE CORRECTIONS
If an error has been made in grading, it may be corrected at any time. To make a correction, the teacher must give the correction, in writing, to the counseling secretary.

APPEAL OF GRADES
Students wishing to appeal a grade should first check with the teacher to see if an error has been made. If the student still has a concern, he/she and a parent should schedule a conference with the teacher to discuss the problem. If that fails to resolve the problem, the student may follow the District Grievance procedure. A copy of the procedure may be obtained from the main office.

STUDENT ACADEMIC PROGRESS/PARENT CONTACT
This paragraph is quoted from Board of Education policy IK (4/ 91) The academic progress of the students is a concern to all. Monitoring the academic growth is a critical step in the educational process. Students learn when feedback is complete and as immediate as possible. Every attempt needs to be made to return work done by the students in a timely manner. Teachers should review student progress periodically and share the information with the students. Unsatisfactory progress in either the academic or citizenship area must be shared with the student and the parent or guardian. Any unsatisfactory performance should receive attention but personal contacts will be made when a student is doing D or F work. This will be done in a timely manner, allowing an opportunity to improve the situation before the grading period ends.