Why establish grading guidelines?
GCS established countywide grading guidelines and practices to ensure that students are given sufficient opportunities to demonstrate their comprehension of a subject or course and to ensure grading is uniform countywide.
Who created the new countywide grading practices?
A committee of elementary, middle and senior high teachers, principals, parents, students and central level administrators met throughout the second semester of the 2010-2011 school year and developed the Grading Practices/Guidelines for grades 3-12.
When will the new grading guidelines go into effect?
The grading guidelines will be used by teachers to ensure that your child receives every opportunity to master a subject.
What if my child is in kindergarten this year – will the new grading practice apply to my child?
The new countywide grading practices apply to grades 3-12 and not to kindergarten or the first and second grade. K-2 grading is more informal to reflect the young age of the child. Kindergarten students do not have regular tests, quizzes or homework. Also, the kindergarten report card is different from grades 3-5. If you child is in grades K-2 talk with your child’s teachers about the report card so you will understand the report for K-2.
What if I have a question about the new grading practices?
Talk with your school principal or your child’s teacher. Also, you may submit the question to the Communication website via e-mail and you will receive an answer to your question.
Will the new grading practices make subjects harder for my child?
No, the content of a course will be the same. The guidelines will ensure that your child has sufficient opportunities to show that he/she has mastered the subject covered. In many cases, it will give your child additional opportunities to show his/her knowledge of a subject. It will also ensure that a child in elementary school does not spend hours on one assignment each night.
How can I get a copy of the new grading practices?
All parents will be given a copy of the guidelines by your school principal or your child’s teacher. Also, you may download a copy from the GCS website by going to GCS Grading Practices/Guidelines.
Will my school tell me more about the new grading practices?
Yes, each school will conduct a parent meeting to explain the guidelines. Check with your school principal or your child’s teacher to find out the date of your school’s meeting.
