Grading Policy

School Year 2020-2021

 

At the Salk School of Science, we maintain a fair grading policy, accurately reflecting each individual student’s achievement efforts based on the common, standards aligned trajectory of learning that will be released quarterly by the DOE to support continuity of instruction adapted from the Next Generation Learning Standards. Each grade measures competency in course content by tracking students’ academic progress and performance, considering students’ entire body of work in each subject. Grades reflect students’ level of understanding and skills in a subject as of a specific point in time, whether students have opted for blended learning or full remote learning.

 

Students will receive a numerical grade each quarter for all of their academic classes (math, science, humanities and art). In PE and advisory, students will receive either a “P” for passing or “NX” for course in progress.

 

Students will not receive failing grades (for the marking period or for the final grade for the year) if they have not yet met the learning outcomes for their courses; instead, they will receive an “NX” meaning “course in progress,” and will be provided with additional time and support to ensure they can master course concepts and earn credit as appropriate. (A failing grade is a grade below 65.)

 

Only students in grade 8 are required to reconcile a final grade of ‘NX’ in a core course by August 2021 in alignment with promotion policies. June grades of ‘NX’ must be updated to a passing grade upon successful completion of summer work in core courses. For all other courses, ‘NX’ will remain as the student’s final grade. Students receive an ‘NX’ if there is insufficient work to calculate a final grade.

 

Parents/guardians may choose to have any final (for the entire year) passing grade updated to “pass” (P). Grades of “P” will not be factored into students’ GPAs.

 

While students must continue to participate in remote and blended learning each day, attendance will not be a factor in student grades.

 

Through curricular documents which will be distributed later in November, teachers will fully explain how a grade is determined (weights accorded to each category and aligned with school-wide policy as outlined in this document). The overall categories and associated percentage range will remain fixed; however, teachers will have flexibility on the weights given to each subcategory and specific measures and assessments they utilize. Detailed explanations are provided below:

 

Summative Assessments (40 – 60 %) A combination of the following: I. Standards-based tests (summative) II. Unit exams III. Portfolios IV. Research papers V. Presentations (summative) VI. Final essays/projects

Performance Assessments (20 – 40 %) A combination of the following: I. Formative assessments II. Chapter/unit quizzes III. Short projects IV. Classroom assignments V. Short presentations VI. Homework

Classroom Standards (10 – 20 %) May Include one or a combination of the following: I. Student readiness II. Class participation III. Class discussions IV. Class activities V. Collaborative teamwork VI. Student code of conduct

 

1. Summative Assessments: (40 – 60 %)

All summative assessments will be aligned with the Next Generation Learning Standards and will be returned to students with constructive feedback and/or reflective questions to guide students in improving their understanding. The frequency and specific percentage value of these assessments are established by department guidelines and rubrics for all students.

2. Performance Assessments: (20 – 40 %)

Quizzes, short projects/presentations, classroom and homework assignments are an essential way for teachers to gauge students’ understanding of materials and allow the teachers to inform instruction. Formative assessments prepare students for the next day’s lesson, reinforce former lessons taught, and develop critical thinking skills.

Each teacher will determine a lateness policy for submission of assignments that will be made explicit to parents and students, however, students will be provided with additional time and support to ensure they can master course concepts and earn credit as appropriate.

3. Classroom Standards: (10 – 20 %)

Students’ classroom readiness and participation are determined by being meaningfully engaged with schoolwork. Individual teachers will share with parents and students the measures used to determine participation grades.

Timeline of Student Grades:

The Salk School of Science issues progress reports four times a year, with the final grade given on the last progress report issued. Eighth grade non-core grades (PE and Art) are given on a semester basis (so eighth grade students will not receive grades during the 1st and 3rd quarters in non core subjects.) At the conclusion of each year, final grades are entered onto students’ middle school transcripts and serve as the permanent grade on record for that particular course.

In addition, students at-risk of receiving a grade of 80 or below will receive a “letter of concern” via email for the 2nd-4th quarters. Eighth grade students who are at risk of receiving a grade of 80 or below in a non-core subject will receive a letter of concern at least a month prior to the end of the semester. Parents can contact Assistant Principal Jennifer Goodwin ([email protected]) or the individual teacher to discuss this letter and to create an action plan for the student.

Appealing a Final Grade

To appeal a teacher’s final grade in June, students/parents must present all documentation to the teacher to argue their case. If the teacher denies the appeal to change the final grade, the student/parent may appeal to the principal by June 24th. The principal will make a determination for the final grade based on evidence provided by both the teacher and the student/parent and share this decision with parents and the teacher in writing by June 30th. If the principal should decide to change students’ final grades based on evidence provided, the principal will provide a written notice and rationale of the change to the teacher, in accordance with UFT agreement.

Due to the pandemic, parents/guardians may choose to have any final (for the entire year) passing grade updated to “pass” (P). Grades of “P” will not be factored into students’ GPAs. We will provide details of this process in June.

Due to the pandemic, students will receive grades of “course in progress” (NX) in place of failing grades. If your children receive a “course in progress” grade, we will support them in continuing with their learning beyond the end of the term, as appropriate for the grade level and subject area. Teachers will target instruction to the individual needs of each student. Together, this will help your student make progress toward the learning outcomes for their courses.

Timeline for Changing a Grade

Up to 20 days after the marking period has ended, a teacher can submit a ‘Change of Grade’ request form with appropriate documentation (legitimate verifiable reasons such as miscalculation or student submission of make-up assignments) to support the grade change. After reviewing the documentation, the Principal may or may not approve the change.

Please note:

For the final quarter, there is a shorter window of time for grade changes. Changes can be made up to June 30th. After June 30th, all grade changes will be final unless the teacher has made an error and the teacher feels responsible to change a grade that will result in a higher grade for the student.

Make-up Assignments:

Students will be given a reasonable opportunity to make up missed work, including examinations and quizzes. Teachers will support them in continuing with their learning beyond the end of the term, as appropriate for the grade level and subject area. Teachers will target instruction to the individual needs of each student. Together, this will help your student make progress toward the learning outcomes for their courses.

Academic Intervention Services:

These support services are available to all students throughout the school year. Students at-risk of receiving an “NX” are encouraged to reach out to individual teachers and counselors during their office hours as well as to the principal and assistant principal.

Opportunities to Discuss Student Progress:

In addition to the two Chancellor’s conference days, parents are encouraged to reach out to individual teachers and counselors during their office hours as well as to the principal and assistant principal.

Please allow school staff 48 hours to respond to requests.

Promotion Decisions

Promotion decisions are made using multiple measures of student performance throughout the course of the school year and standardized State exams. If a student’s promotion to the next grade is in jeopardy at the end of the school year, we will support them in continuing with their learning beyond the end of the term, as appropriate for the grade level and subject area. Another opportunity to make up the coursework is during summer school. For some students, failure to attend summer school may result in retention at the same grade level the following school year.