STUDENT GRADING SYSTEM

The Policy concerning the student grading system states that "one of the most important requirements of a good grading system is that the grades indicate as accurately as possible the extent to which students have mastered the subject matter being taught. A corporation-wide systematic approach to deriving the most accurate objective grading possible will be implemented to assure uniformity." The following information is a digest of the printed Policy. For clarification and interpretation consult the printed Policy.

1. STUDENT EVALUATION may include performance on teacher made tests, quizzes, textbook prepared tests, homework, assignments, oral and written projects, and class participation. Other factors considered in student evaluation could be, but might not be limited to, following directions, correct spelling, neatness, promptness, effort, and work habits.

2. ATTENDANCE AND BEHAVIOR are not to be considered as factors in grading unless it involves suspension or expulsion, which by corporation policy denies inclusion of make-up work.

3. GRADE DEFINITION:

A - Excellent - High level of understanding and/or mastery of skills in course content.

B - Good - Good level of understanding and/or mastery of skills in course content.

C - Satisfactory - Acceptable level of understanding and/or mastery of skills in course content.

D - Poor - Minimum level of understanding and/or mastery of course content.

F - Failure - (No Credit Earned) Unacceptable level of understanding and/or mastery of skills in course content.

3. Teachers have "a certain amount of freedom" in evaluating student progress among different disciplines, ability groups and grade levels.

5. Students and parents are to be informed in advance, in writing, concerning the grading scales to be used in each class.

6. SUGGESTED GRADING SCALE:

95 - 100 = A

88 - 94 = B

78 - 87 = C

70 - 77 = D

Below 70 = F

7. Teachers may assign letter grades or numerical points to each factor used to evaluate student progress. These evaluations may be averaged to determine the report card grade. Junior and senior high school teachers may assign semester grades based on accumulated points.

8. Parents of students whose work is likely to result in a failing grade should be notified in writing as soon as possible.

9. REPORT CARDS will be issued every six weeks.

PROMOTION AND RETENTION GUIDELINES: The promotion or retention of students should be based on what is best for each student within laws, regulations, and policies. Consideration should be given to the student's current level of achievement and the potential for successful work at the next grade level. Guidelines for grading and promotion shall emphasize the attainment of passing grades in each subject or course of study. The Warrick County School Corporation's Curriculum Guides define the goals and objectives for each student. In order for a student to receive a passing grade in any subject area, the student must demonstrate successful completion of minimum standards. Decisions on remediation, retention, or promotion may include but not be limited to the following:

1. Testing a. Indiana Statewide Testing for Educational Progress (ISTEP+) program at grades designated by the Department of Education.

b. Available standardized achievement test data.

c. Other evaluation instruments.

2. Student Work

a. Teacher assignments, oral reports, homework, and class participation.

b. Exhibits, such as art work, a model, or similar items.

c. Demonstration skills, such as science, industrial arts, home economics, physical education.

d. Performance skills, such as a dramatic or musical recital.

Students in grades kindergarten through eight are either promoted or retained in grade levels each year. Students in grades nine through twelve earn promotion through the accumulation of credits for that particular grade level. Special Education students are promoted on the basis of standards set forth in the student's Individualized Education Program (IEP). Retention of Language Minority Students shall not be based solely upon English Proficiency (511 IAC 6.1 1-5-8G). The following standards will be the basis upon which promotion/retention decisions are to be made in all Warrick County School Corporation Schools for each grade level as set forth below:

A. ACADEMIC:

1. Kindergarten - The student must successfully meet the minimum standards in language arts and mathematics identified in the kindergarten curriculum to be promoted to grade 1.

2. Grades 1-8 - The student must successfully meet the minimum standards in the subject areas as set forth in the curriculum to bepromoted to the next grade.

B. ATTENDANCE: Any provision in the Warrick County School Corporation attendance policy which impacts promotion/retention must be followed when reaching a final decision on a student's grade placement.

C. ISTEP+: INDIANA STATE TEST FOR EDUCATIONAL PROGRESS PLUS rules and standards will be followed.

DECISION MAKING PROCEDURE

1. Notification of Parent: Parents of students being considered for retention shall be notified of the intent and the following procedures and appeals process.

2. PROCEDURE: If, after the first semester and before February 15, the teacher(s) and/or counselor believe that retention should be considered, the following steps shall be taken:

a. The teacher(s) will complete the referral form and confer with the principal.

b. The principal will inform the parents by mail of the possibility of retention. The teacher will schedule a conference at the time to discuss remediation and/or the possibility of retention. If the parent does not respond to the initial letter, the principal will send a second.

c. During the conference, page 2 of the referral form will be completed and signed.

d. Exceptions of the February 15 deadline should be carefully considered, but available to the principal.

3. Procedure for Decision To Retain An Elementary School Student: If, near the end of the school year, the teacher believes that retention is in the best interest of the child, the following steps will be taken:

a. The teacher will schedule a conference with the appropriate school personnel and the parents to confirm the propose of retention.

b. If the teacher, counselor, and principal agree that retention should occur, the final disposition form will be completed and signed.

c. Retention will occur upon recommendation of the teacher, with the approval of the principal. A parent consultation will be held and parental opinion will be considered before the final decision is made.