Grades & Evaluation of Student Achievement
Policy 3-604
Scope:
This policy governs grading authority, evaluation of student achievement, and required notifications for parents/guardians related to student academic performance.
1. Grades
Grades help students and parents/guardians understand academic expectations and identify the student’s areas of strength and those areas needing improvement.
At all grade levels, report cards may include reports of student progress on specific academic standards applicable to the course and grade level. Grades shall represent an accurate and current evaluation of the student’s academic performance.
The Superintendent or designee shall establish a uniform grading system to apply to all students in that course and grade level.
2. Grading Authority
Grades for any course of instruction shall be determined by the teacher of the course. A teacher shall base a student’s grades on the quality of the student’s academic work and their mastery of course content based on district standards.
The determination of the student’s grade by the teacher shall be final in the absence of:
Clerical or mechanical mistake;
Fraud;
Bad faith; or
Incompetency.
A student’s grade shall not be changed unless the teacher who assigned the grade is given the opportunity to state the reasons for the grade and to participate in the decision-making process as required by law.
3. Parent Notification of Risk of Failure
The District shall require that, whenever it becomes evident to a teacher that a student is in danger of failing a course, the teacher shall:
Conduct a conference with the student’s parent/guardian; or
Provide a written report to the parent/guardian.
A parent’s refusal to attend a conference or respond to written notice shall not preclude the assignment of a failing grade.
The requirement to notify a parent shall apply without regard to the age of the student.