Secondary Grading Practices Improvement
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Based on the Grading Practices Task Force recommendations, we are improving our grading practices for all middle and high schools by moving away from a 100-point scale and implementing a 4-point scale. During 2022-23, we are learning, planning, and preparing for the change. We will roll out the use of the 4-point scale in phases beginning in fall 2023. The district Grading Practices Committee is reviewing options for how to phase this in.
Please check back as we update our progress on implementation. Look for family communications in upcoming issues of the Buzz Newsletter!
What is the update?
- Replacing the current 100-point scale with a 4-point scale. This simplifies grades and makes assessing student performance more straightforward, reducing subjectivity. Letter grades will not go away - the 4-point scale will translate to a letter grade.
- Giving students multiple avenues to show what they know and can do, including various assessment methods (e.g., portfolios, presentations, essays, classroom activities, and projects).
- Creating a consistent policy to allow for and accept late work.
- Setting a limit on extra credit options, which disproportionately helps students with additional resources and support (not equitable).
Why are we making this update?
- Research shows that traditional grading practices (the 100-point scale) are inaccurate, biased, and demotivating for some students.
- Equitable grading practices shift focus from earning points to learning & mastering content, strengthening the relationship between teachers and students.
- The 4-point scale unifies our entire K-12 grading system (our elementary schools currently use a variation of the 4-point scale in grades K-5).
Timeline
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Fall 2018
Secondary grading and reporting practices identified as district improvement initiative
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September 2018
25-person 6–12th Grading and Reporting Task Force convened
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Fall 2019
Task Force recommended four grading principles
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Oct 2021
School Board Community Conversation
Watch the video >>
Read the Determination >> -
Winter 2021-Spring 2022
Task Force reconvened to complete work based on Board Determination
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August 2022
School Board approves secondary grading practices recommendation
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Fall 2022
Teacher & Leadership Planning and Presentation sessions
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Winter & Spring 2023
Professional development to learn and prepare
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2023-24 School Year
Implementation of improved secondary grading practices
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Task Force Goals & Principals
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Grading Practices Task Force
North Thurston Public School’s work around grading practices links to two goals from the district’s strategic plan.
- Goal 4 emphasizes academic growth for all students in all subject areas. Every student will demonstrate continuous growth toward meeting/exceeding rigorous learning standards. Meeting this goal requires effective teacher clarity in their knowledge of learning standards and the development of daily learning targets and success criteria.
- Goal 5 focuses on high school graduation and post-high school success. Outcome a: Increased percentage of students passing classes in grades 6-9, culminating in an increased percentage of 10th-grade students on track to graduate. To reach this outcome, we must aim for equity in our grading practices. Best practices, such as a 4-point scale, minimizing extra credit, and weighting summative assessments more heavily than formative assessments, are a few practices that promote equity.
In 2018, the district established a task force of 25 people to review grading practices and make recommendations to the Superintendent and School Board.
In 2021, the School Board held a Community Conversation to address this topic. As a result, the Board of Directors affirmed four grading principles (listed below). The task force was charged with developing district-wide guidelines and teacher practices aligned with the four principles to ensure consistent grading and progress reporting to families.
In 2022, the task force reached a consensus on promoting three big ideas: consistency, communication, and empowered learners.
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Principal #1: Grades communicate student success
Principle #1 - Grades must clearly communicate student success towards learning the standards.
Guidelines:
- Assignments and assessments are aligned to learning standards.
- Learning standards and targets are clearly articulated.
- A four-point summative grading scale must be implemented by all secondary teachers by the start of the 2023-24 school year.
- Extra credit is optional, must be related to course content, and should be limited in scope.
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Principle #2: Multiple opportunities to demonstrate knowledge
Principle #2 - Students should have multiple opportunities to show what they know and can do.
Guidelines:
- A body of work should be assessed to demonstrate student mastery. These may include formative and summative assessments, class activities, essays, labs, portfolios, and/or projects.
- Teachers are expected to keep current, supporting data for grades assigned. Records shall be available for parent and student monitoring through the district-approved electronic grading system.
- Teachers must have a policy for late work acceptance.
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Principle #3: Give ample time to practice & learn
Principle #3 - Students need time to practice and learn from mistakes. Therefore, teachers are expected to incorporate a variety of assessment methods within their course and provide opportunities for reassessment.
Guidelines:
- Teachers should provide a variety of opportunities for students to demonstrate their mastery of standards, such as assignments, activities, performances, and assessments.
- Teachers should use assessment and/or progress monitoring results to evaluate the effectiveness of instruction and to plan for future instruction.
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Principle #4: Regular communication about progress
Principle #4 - We support learning through regular communication with families about student progress.
Guidelines:
- Teachers should formally report progress four times a year through report cards, progress reports, and conferences.
- The district’s online grade book should be updated every two weeks and always be available for parents and students.
