Galaxy Middle School

2013-2014 Grading Policy

Galaxy Middle School will follow the Grading Guidelines for Secondary Schools as published by the Instructional Services department of Volusia County Schools. This document serves to clarify certain aspects of the policy as it pertains to our school and provide direction where district policy may be lacking. It was developed by our school leadership team and is meant to supplement the aforementioned district policy.

Ultimately, the classroom teacher is responsible for monitoring student progress and assuring that student grades accurately reflect student progress towards proficiency in requisite standards for their curriculum. Galaxy will strive to have consistency among grade-level curriculum PLCs in all aspects of grading. In other words, teachers teaching the same courses should have similar gradebooks. Administration, in support of VSET component 4B, will monitor and review teacher gradebooks throughout the year.

Recording Grades

Teachers should only record formative and summative grades that reflect accuracy, not completion. Teachers should use the diagnostic grade category, supported by anecdotal checklists, student portfolios, homework assignments, or similar formative tools, to capture “completion grades” or evidence of un-graded activities.

Great Idea: Choose a couple of questions from a homework assignment to create an instant homework quiz. The entire assignment might be reviewed for completion, but teacher only grades the select questions as a formative assessment. This encourages students to complete all homework assignments, but does not overwhelm the teacher with grading tasks.

How many grades per nine weeks? District Policy mandates multiple formative assessments and no fewer than 3 summative assessments per nine week period. (There can be unlimited diagnostic scores in Pinnacle.) Galaxy is allowing grade level curriculum PLCs to determine exactly what that might look like for them. It is expected that teachers teaching the same courses will have gradebooks that look quite similar, if not identical. These grading consistencies should be bolstered by PLC discussion and evidenced in PLC norms and instructional calendars.

No more “Z” in Pinnacle. Teachers should enter the earned grade into Pinnacle or “M” if the assignment has not been received from the student or “X” if the student is being excused from the assignment.

The “I” grade may be issued, in accordance with Grading Guidelines for Secondary Schools, at the teacher of record’s discretion on a student by student basis. Teachers should consider individual student data and consult with guidance and ESE departments as appropriate.

Homework

Galaxy acknowledges the importance of homework in educating our students. It is recommended that such assignments reinforce and extend classroom learning. Homework assignments are at the discretion of the teacher and guidelines will be developed by grade-level curriculum PLCs and evidenced in the PLC notes at the beginning of the school year.

Late Work: Absent/Make-up work vs. Missing/Late work

Make-up Work

In accordance with Grading Guidelines for Secondary Schools, students who are absent from class will have one day, or one day for each day absent (whichever is greater), to submit work unless the teacher determines there are extenuatitng circumstances which necessitate an extension of time.

Late Work

Galaxy will also accept missing or late formative assignment work up to 3 school days after the assignment was due. Beyond the 3 day limit, however, teachers will not record a grade for the assignment (student receives a “0”), but may give student feedback or require satisfactory completion of the assignment prior to administering a summative assessment.

Intervention and Remediation

In accordance with Grading Guidelines for Secondary Schools, remediation and summative retakes at Galaxy will occur using the following guidelines.

  • Student Score < 70% (lack of proficiency): Teacher must provide remediation and student must re-assess. Student must be given at least 1 attempt (re-takes) with additional re-takes and remediation provided based on individual student data.
  • Student Score < 90% (lack of mastery): Teacher may provide remediation and student may be allowed to re-assess. Student will be given only 1 attempt (re-take) with additional re-takes and remediation based on individual student data. If proficient students will be allowed to re-take will be determined by grade-level curriculum PLCs and evidenced in the PLC notes at the beginning of the school year.
  • Remediation: Teachers should consider face-to-face instruction and alternate assignments when remediating students. Remediation is not the sole responsibility of the student. What remediation looks like in the classroom will be determined by grade-level curriculum PLCs and evidenced in the PLC notes at the beginning of the school year.
  • Re-assessment: Re-assessment does not necessarily mean simply re-taking the same summative. Teachers should consider alternate assignments and assessing specific standards that lack evidence of proficiency or mastery. What re-assessment looks like in the classroom will be determined by grade-level curriculum PLCs and evidenced in the PLC notes at the beginning of the school year.
  • Time for Summative Re-takes: Seven (7) School Days. Additional time may be provided based on individual student data.