5421A - GRADING

Upper Arlington City School District

Administrative Guidelines

5421A - GRADING
ELEMENTARY CONTEMPORARY GRADING

At the kindergarten level a grading system exists to report student performance compared to learning objectives identified in District courses of study. In grades 1-5 a dual system is used - one to report performance compared to learning objectives identified in District courses of study, and the other for the effort the student used to attain this level of performance. There are separate Progress Reports for each grade level.

Reports at kindergarten level will provide indicators of growth regarding academic and social development. Academic progress and social development is marked on a continuum for each content area and growth area using the following:

Emerging	--	Beginning awareness of concepts or skills
Developing	--	Progressing toward understanding of concepts and skills
Achieving	--	Demonstrates understanding consistently of while applying skills and concepts
Extending	--	Utilizes skills and concepts in innovative ways

Reports at grades 1-5 use a four letter scale to describe student performance.

A	--	Achieving- Grade level standards.
P	--	Progressing- Toward grade level standards with some assistance.
B	--	Demonstrates beginning awareness of grade level standards with much assistance.

A number scale is also used to describe student effort.

1	--	Demonstrates effort most of the time
2	--	Demonstrates effort some of the time
3	--	Demonstrates little effort

All students do not attain the same levels of achievement at the same time or at the same rate. Individual growth patterns and environmental situations affect learning within each classroom setting. When assessing achievement the teacher should take into account pertinent educational objectives, student effort, and individual differences. The focus of all assessing and grading is on developing each student's optimum growth.

Teachers are encouraged to use a variety of techniques (such as, informal and standardized tests, observation of student class participation, student success in projects and reports) in assessing achievement of educational objectives. Student success is the primary motivating factor for higher levels of performance. Individuality is communicated by means of teacher comments on the progress report, parent written feedback, and parent-teacher conversations.

ELEMENTARY INFORMAL ALTERNATIVE GRADING

The informal alternative program uses a grading continuum indicating growth over a year. Achievement is noted in terms of individual performance. An estimate of the effort is also recorded on the progress report. Since school expectations vary in relation to the maturity of students and curricular goals and objectives, separate progress reports are currently used for each kindergarten, primary and Intermediate student.

Academic/Social Indicators

Academic and social development is marked using a continuum of growth throughout the year. The descriptors appear below.

Emerging	--	Beginning awareness of concepts or skills
Developing	--	Progressing toward understanding of concepts and skills with assistance from teacher, peers, and parents
Achieving	--	Demonstrates understanding while applying skills and concepts independently
Extending	--	Utilizes skills and concepts in innovative ways

Effort Indicators

+	--	Takes initiative
ü +	--	Engages in learning
ü	--	Engages in learning with support
ü -	--	Rarely engages in learning

MIDDLE SCHOOL GRADING

Grading is a process of identifying student achievement in relation to stated objectives. A letter grade is used to communicate this performance to both the student and parent(s).

Grade and Effort Scales

The objective descriptors for grades will be as follows:

A	--	Superior
B	--	Above Average
C	--	Average
D	--	Passing
E	--	Failing

The grading scale follows the High School Class of 2011 scale.

Nine-week grades in each course of study are determined by averaging the grades accumulated in the course during the grading period. Semester grades indicate the average of the semester grades.

Every teacher is required to enter at least one comment for each student earning a C or below regarding effort for each nine-week period.

Incomplete

An incomplete may be given under certain circumstances in lieu of a grade when a student does not complete the requirements of the course. The student must make arrangements with the teacher to fulfill the course requirements. It will be the student's responsibility to complete the work in fourteen days or less in order to earn a letter grade. Student failure to complete the incomplete work within the prescribed time of two weeks will result in the student’s grade being changed from "incomplete" to a letter grade of "E". Teachers must submit final grades for each student at the end of the year or indicate to the principal what arrangements have been made to remove an incomplete(s). Accommodations for individual situations shall be made by the building principal as the need arises.

Grading Procedures for a Change of Course

If a student changes a course (e.g., algebra to math or foreign language to reading) after the first nine weeks, the student will retain the grade earned for that nine-week period. Grades will be issued in the second subject for the grading periods remaining in the school year.

Individual Grade Changes

The teacher of a course determines grades for assigned students. However, the superintendent or his/her designee has the final authority in determining the grade for a student. In the event an administrator changes a grade, he/she will hold a conference with the teacher and state the reason(s) for changing the grade. A teacher cannot be ordered to change a grade. It is hoped that through an administrator/teacher conference mutual agreement can be reached concerning the grade.

Newly Enrolled Middle School Students

Procedures to use when students enroll from another school district during a nine-week grading period:

	A.	Cumulative folders should be checked to determine grades from the previous school.
	B.	If a student enters before the end of a grading period, grades earned in this District and in the previous school will be used in calculating the student's nine-weeks' grades. The teacher should take into account the length of time the student has been enrolled and give the student the benefit when the basis for accurate evaluation is questionable. If a grade cannot be determined, an "N" for No Grade and a comment will be issued.
	C.	Classes taken for high school credit at the middle school level will follow the Grading For Newly Enrolled High School Students section of this policy.
	D.	If a student enrolls in a subject(s) which he/she did not previously take at the former school, use the format outlined above in deciding a grade.

Honor Roll Procedures

Honor Roll will be computed for each nine-week grading period. A student will achieve honor roll status by earning an average of 3.5 points or higher.

Grades will be weighted and computed according to a point-value scale as indicated below:

			Weight
Grade	Points	Subjects	Factor

A	4	House Subjects	4 each
B	3
C	2	Unified Arts Subjects	1 each
D	1
E	0	Foreign Language	4 each

Example

		Weight
Subject		Factor		Grade	(Points)		Total

English		4		A	(4)	=	16
Foreign Language		4		A	(4)	=	16
Math		4		A	(4)	=	16
Reading		4		A	(4)	=	16
Science		4		B-	(3)	=	12
Social Studies		4		C-	(2)	=	8
UNIFIED ARTS
	Art	1	B-		(3)	=	3
	Health	1	B-		(3)	=	3
	Family & Consumer Science	1	A		(4)	=	4
	Industrial Technology	1	B-		(3)	=	3
	Music	1	A		(4)	=	4
	Physical Education	1	A		(4)	=	4
		30					105
			150		30 = 3.5

HIGH SCHOOL GRADING
Regular Grading Scale

Grading is a process of identifying student achievement. A letter grade is used to communicate this performance to both the student and parent(s). The grade is based upon the school’s expectation of the student's performance in relation to the following: curriculum for subject area, ability, effort, difficulty of work, background experiences, present environment.

The grading scale includes the following:

The objective descriptors for grades will be as follows:

A	-	Superior
B	-	Above Average
C	-	Average
D	-	Passing
E	-	Failing

The grading scale and the calculation of grade point average (GPA) for the purpose of reporting to students, parents, potential employers, and colleges/universities includes the following:

	CURRENT SCALE				CLASS OF 2011
GRADE		VALUE	PERCENTAGE	GRADE		VALUE	PERCENTAGE
A+		4.0	98 – 100%	A+		4.0		97 – 100%
A		4.0	93 – 97%	A		4.0		93 – 96%
A-		3.7	90 – 92%	A-		3.7		90 – 92%
B+		3.5	87 – 89%	B+		3.3		87 – 89%
B		3.3	83 – 86%	B		3.0		83 – 86%
B-		3.0	80 – 82%	B-		2.7		80 – 82%
C+		2.5	77 – 79%	C+		2.3		77 – 79%
C		2.3	73 – 76%	C		2.0		73 – 76%
C-		2.0	70 – 72%	C-		1.7		70 – 72%
D+		1.5	67 – 69%	D+		1.3		67 – 69%
D		1.3	64 – 66%	D		1.0		63 – 66%
D-		1.0	60 – 63%	D-		0.7		60 – 62%
E		0.0	0 – 59%	E		0.0		0 – 59%

Nine-week grades are determined by the aggregate of all grades for the previously listed factors. Semester grades reflect the two nine-week grades, semester examination grades, and/or special project grades where applicable.

In a pass-fail choice, a grade of "P" is recorded for a course that is passed. An "D" is recorded if the course if not passed. The grade ("P" or "F") received in a pass-fail option is not used in computing a student’s grade point average.

Pass-Fail Grading

The pass-fail grading option permits a student to take up to one full credit per year in grades 9-12 without receiving a standard letter grade. Two restrictions are placed upon this choice: (1) no more than one credit may be elected in a given subject area during the four years (9th grade through graduation); (2) students may not elect pass-fail in a subject required for graduation.

In a pass-fail choice, a grade of "P" is recorded for a course that is passed. An "F" is recorded if the course is not passed. The grade ("P" or "F") received in a pass-fail option is not used in computing a student’s grade point average.

The pass-fail selection must be made by the student before the end of the first grading period for a year and/or a first semester course. The pass-fail option for a second semester course must be made by the student before the end of the third grading period. The pass-fail option for a nine week course must be made by the student before the end of the third week. If at any time after the option is selected and prior to the completion of the course the student would prefer the standard letter grade, the option may be dropped. The student would receive a letter grade for every marking period during that course of study. When the student drops the pass-fail option, the student may not use that particular option (one credit or 1/2 credit) again during that school year. If any student should opt to drop any course of study when a penalty would be imposed (had the course been taken for a grade) and that course is being taken pass/fail, then the option would be dropped and the letter grades would be recorded and computed as part of the grade point ratio.

Method of Determining Grade Point Average

A student's grade point average (GPA) is determined by using all semester grade averages for subjects that receive letter grades. Pass/Fail and Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory evaluations are not included in computing point average. For regular courses the number of A credits is multiplied by 4; B by 3; C by 2; D by 1; and E by 0.

A weighted grade system will be applied for honors and advanced placement courses. The weighted grade system is applied to honors and advanced placement courses as designated in the High School Program of Studies booklet. The values assigned to advanced placement courses will reflect the earned grades multiplied by a factor of 1.2. The values assigned to honors courses will reflect the earned grades multiplied by a factor of 1. 1.

The actual computation of the grade weight factors for regular, honors, and advanced placement courses is as follows:

Current Scale

REGULAR	HONORS	A.P.

A+ = 4.0	A+ = 4.0 x 1.1 = 4.4	A+ = 4.0 x 1.2 = 4.8
A = 4.0	A = 4.0 x 1.1 = 4.4	A = 4.0 x 1.2 = 4.8
A- = 3.7	A- = 3.7 x 1.1 = 4.07	A- = 3.7 x 1.2 = 4.44
B+ = 3.5	B+ = 3.5 x 1.1 = 3.85	B = 3.5 x 1.2 = 4.20
B = 3.3	B = 3.3 x 1.1 = 3.63	B = 3.3 x 1.2 = 3.96
B- = 3.0	B- = 3.0 x 1.1 = 3.3	B- = 3.0 x 1.2 = 3.60
C+ = 2.5	C+ = 2.5 x 1.1 = 2.75	C+= 2.5 x 1.2 = 3.0
C = 2.3	C = 2.3 x 1.1 = 2.53	C = 2.3 x 1.2 = 2.76
C- = 2.0	C- = 2.0 x 1.1 = 2.2	C-= 2.0 x 1.1 = 2.4
D+ = 1.5
D = 1.3
D- = 1.0
E = 0.0

Class of 2011

A+ = 4.0	A+ = 4.0 x 1.1 = 4.4	A+ = 4.0 x 1.2 = 4.8
A = 4.0	A = 4.0 x 1.1 = 4.4	A = 4.0 x 1.2 = 4.8
A- = 3.7	A- = 3.7 x 1.1 = 4.07	A- = 3.7 x 1.2 = 4.44
B+ = 3.3	B+ = 3.3 x 1.1 = 3.85	B+ = 3.3 x 1.2 = 4.20
B = 3.0	B = 3.0 x 1.1 = 3.63	B = 3.0 x 1.2 = 3.96
B- = 2.7	B- = 2.7 x 1.1 = 3.3	B- = 2.7 x 1.2 = 3.60
C+ = 2.3	C+ = 2.3 x 1.1 = 2.75	C+ = 2.3 x 1.2 = 3.0
C = 2.0	C = 2.0 x 1.1 = 2.53	C = 2.0 x 1.2 = 2.76
C- = 1.7	C- = 1.7 x 1.1 = 2.2	C- = 1.7 x 1.1 = 2.4
D+ = 1.3
D = 1.0
D- = 0.7
E = 0.0

No grade below a "C" in either an honors or advanced placement course receives a weighted factor. Students who earned a "D" would receive a value of 1.0 toward their grade point average.

A student's grade point average is computed by taking the sum of the products for grades earned and dividing by the number of credits earned. The grade point average (GPA) will be reported on student progress reports to parents.

GPA will be based on weighted grades and will be available and/or reported to students and parents. Class rank will not be reported.

Incomplete

Students at Upper Arlington High School are expected to complete their course assignments on time in compliance with teacher established deadlines.

In the event a student cannot meet this expectation due to extended excused absences (more than three days), the student will be given a grade of "Incomplete" on the report card. It will be the student's responsibility to complete the work in fourteen days or less in order to earn a letter grade. Student failure to complete the incomplete work within the prescribed time of two weeks will result in the student's grade being changed from "Incomplete" to a letter grade of "F". It will be the teacher's responsibility to notify the appropriate administrative personnel of successful completion of incomplete work.

Exceptions to this policy due to unique or extenuating circumstances must be made with the principal or his designee in writing.

Adjustment Grading

At the secondary level adjusted classes have been designated for students who have difficulty in grasping abstract learning and who need to move more slowly in completing the requirements of designated courses. Students who are assigned to adjustment classes in the secondary schools will be assigned grades in accordance with grading guidelines established for adjusted classes. Subjects in which adjustment grading may be applied are English, math, science, and social studies. Adjustment grading cannot be used without the approval of the teachers, counselor, parent, and the building principal.

	A.	The grade A may be given and indicates that the student is accepting and coping satisfactorily with work above and beyond that being pursued by the other adjustment students. This student needs and can handle the greater depth and faster pace of regular work. Students receiving A grades will be candidates for transfers to regular work and grading.
	B.	The grade B indicates the student is grasping the work with more ease and with greater depth of understanding than the majority of adjustment students. This student may be considered for the regular program.
	C.	The grade of C indicates qualitative and/or quantitative achievement to warrant a grade above D. Most adjustment students might be expected to apply themselves enough to earn at least C's as they gain improved skills and increased confidence through the adjustment program.
	D.	The grade of D indicates the student is putting forth satisfactory effort in terms of:

		1.	being punctual with assignments;
		2.	making every effort to do assignments as thoroughly and well as possible;
		3.	achieving according to his/her ability on tests, quizzes, and other graded work.
		4.	achieving according to his/her ability on tests, quizzes, and other graded work.

The grade of E indicates the student has done little, according to his/her ability, to take advantage of the adjustment program and abide by its intent. The student who is repeatedly unprepared for class or is a disruptive influence in the classroom may be given an E grade and/or be considered for placement in the regular program.

Post-Secondary School Enrollment (Concurrent Enrollment)
Grading

Students taking courses at a Post Secondary institution will receive concurrent credit from the high school and the Post Secondary institution. Course credit will be documented on the student’s Upper Arlington transcript as a pass/fail grade.

Summer Credit

A student enrolled in a summer college program whereby the Post Secondary institution awards college credit shall receive a pass/fail grade on his/her school transcript. Summer programs at Post Secondary institutions that do not grant college credit for the program will be included on the student’s transcript.

Class Rank

Students shall be ranked based on the calculated grade point average for course credit earned at the high school level.

Credit Earned

Credit shall be awarded as follows:

	A.	Five (5) semester hours equal one Carnegie unit of credit., or seven quarter hours equal one Carnegie Unit of credit. All other semester hour offerings shall be given a Carnegie unit equivalent based on the above formula.
	B.	Three (3) semester hours equal 1/2 Carnegie unit of credit. Quarter hour offerings shall be given a Carnegie unit equivalent based on the above formula.
		High school credit awarded for successful completion of college courses shall count toward graduation and subject area requirements.

		1.	If Upper Arlington High School offers a course comparable to one a student completes at a college, comparable credit shall be granted.
		2.	If Upper Arlington High School does not offer a comparable course, credits shall be granted in an elective area of similar subject area.

The Board authorizes the Superintendent to deny high school credit for any post-secondary courses any portion of which were taken during the period of an expulsion in accordance with Board Policy. No expelled student shall receive high school credit for such a course if the college at which the course is being taken withdraws its acceptance of the student.

In awarding credit, students in Grade 9 may not receive high school/college credit for more than the equivalent of four academic years. In awarding credit, students in Grade 10 may not receive high school/college credit for more than the equivalent of three academic years. In awarding credit, students in Grade 11 may not receive high school/college credit for more than the equivalent of two academic years. In awarding credit, students in Grade 12 may not receive high school/college credit for more than the equivalent of one academic year. Students who attain graduation are not eligible for tuition reimbursement for credits earned after graduation.

If there is a dispute between the school district and student regarding high school credits granted and a course, the student may appeal to the State Board of Education whose decision is final.

The pass/fail option may not be used in post-secondary option courses.

Failing a Course

If a student fails a course in college that is being taken for high school credit, the failing grade will be counted in his/her GPA. If the failed course is a requirement for graduation, the student will not graduate.

Evidence of Successful completion

Evidence of successful completion of each course and the high school credits awarded by the district shall be included in the student’s record with an indication on the credits were earned as a participant in the post-secondary enrollment option program and will include the name of the course in which the credits were earned.

Withdrawal From Course - Grading Procedures

At times it is necessary for a student to change his/her schedule (add or drop a subject) during the school year. This change should be rare, since good planning will eliminate much of the need for change. Schedule changes such as adds or drops for educationally unsound purposes adversely affect class sizes and promote poor instruction once the master schedule has been established in August. Due to the ramifications of schedule changes, the following procedures will apply:

	A.	If a student drops a nine week or semester course after the first three weeks, the student will receive an E for the course. The grade will be a part of the student’s cumulative record.
	B.	If a student drops a one-year course after the first six weeks, the student will receive an E for the first semester, the second semester, and the year. These grades will be a part of the student's cumulative record.
	C.	If a student drops a one-year course after the beginning of the second semester, the student will keep the grade earned for the first semester but will receive a grade of E W/E (withdrawn/fail) for the second semester and a grade of E W/E for the year. These grades shall be part of the student's cumulative record.
	D.	If a student drops a nine week or semester course within the first three weeks, or a one-year course within the first six weeks, a W (withdrawn) will be recorded on his/ her transcript. This grade will not be computed in the student's grade point average.
	E.	Schedule changes based on technical corrections or school record adjustments (e.g., computer errors, summer school credits, grade placement, course load limits, minimum load requirements, medical reasons) will be made through the guidance department.

Semester Examinations

At the end of each semester, designated days will be assigned for subject area examinations. Specific courses may be excluded from the examination schedule upon the approval of the building principal.

Semester examinations are to be reported in numerical percentages and are to constitute 20% of the semester grade.

Examinations given at the end of the first semester in a year course may be returned to the student in class, and time taken to go over and to discuss all the questions. Examinations given at the end of a course will be retained by the school for a period of two weeks for review.

Seniors are exempted from second semester (June) exams in all non-required elective courses. Seniors shall complete final exams in those subjects required for graduation if they are enrolled in the course during the second semester of their senior year.

	Units of
	Courses Subject to Examination	Credit

	English	4 Credits
	Social Science	3 Credits
	U.S. History	1 Credit
	Am. Government (APG)	1/2 Credit
	Global History	1 Credit
	Senior Govt. Elective	1/2 Credit
	Mathematics	2 Credits
	Science	2 Credits
	Foreign Language or
	Vocations	2 Credits
	Health	1/2 Credit
	Arts; Visual Art Music,
	Communications	1 Credit
	Physical Education	3/4 Credit
	Public Speaking	1/2 Credit

	Courses Not Subject to Examination

	Electives (all other credits)

Second semester grades will be based on the average of the two 9-week grading periods if students elect not to take the exam (i.e. third 9 weeks + fourth 9 weeks = semester grade).

Calculations for first semester grades will remain as currently established by board policy (i.e., first 9 weeks + second 9 weeks + semester exam = semester grade). Once a senior decides to take an examination to improve his/her semester grade, the exam score will count toward the final grade regardless of the results. Seniors are not exempted from 9-week or unit tests. Unit or 9-week tests cannot be calculated as exams or scheduled during exam days.

If a question arises from a student or teacher as to whether the course is required for graduation, students must receive a written statement from their guidance counselors clarifying whether or not the course has been identified as a requirement for graduation. If the counselor statement is appealed, the principal will make the final decision.

Honor Roll Procedures

Honor Roll will be computed for each nine-week grading period. There will be no honor roll for either semester averages or final averages. The following procedures will be utilized in determining honor roll status:

	A.	A student will achieve honor roll status by earning an average of 3.5 GPA or higher.
	B.	No Incompletes, F grades in Pass/Fall graded courses, or U grades.
	C.	Honor roll status may be revised if an Incomplete is satisfactorily completed.

Graduation Honors/Awards

There are three graduation honors/award levels recognizing academic accomplishment as follows:

	Summa Cum Laude:	Students earning a 3.950 or above Grade
		Point Average (GPA)

	Magna Cum Laude:	Students earning a 3.750 to 3.949 or above
		Grade Point Average (GPA)

	Cum Laude:	Students earning a 3.500 to 3.749 or above
		Grade Point Average (GPA)

The GPA for these honors/awards will be calculated at the end of the seventh semester. A notation of Summa, Magna, or Cum Laude honor designation will be made on the student's diploma and transcript.

Individual Grade Changes

The teacher of a specific course determines grades earned for assigned students. However, the Superintendent or his/her designee has the final authority in determining the grade for each student. In the event an administrator changes a grade, he/ she will first hold a conference with the teacher and state the reasons for changing the grade.

Grading For Newly Enrolled High School Students

Procedures to use with students who enroll from another school district during a nine-week grading period are as follows:

		1.	Cumulative folders should be checked for grades from the previous school.
		2.	If the student entered during or prior to the third week of the grading period, the grades earned in Upper Arlington and the previous school will be used. If the previous grades are not available grades earned in Upper Arlington will be used as if the student had been enrolled the entire grading period.
		3.	If the student entered during the last three weeks of a grading period, grades received at Upper Arlington and the previous school will be used; if previous grades are not available, the teacher should issue an incomplete grade. (Note that this step will not be possible during the final period. The teacher should check with the appropriate counselor in computing a grade.)
		4.	If a student enrolls in a subject(s) which he/she did not previously take at the former school, use the format outlined above in deciding a grade.

Procedures relative to the taking and grading of semester/ final exams when students enrolled from another school district during various times of the school year:

		1.	A student entering during the first six weeks of the semester is expected to take the semester examinations and the grade received should be recorded.
		2.	A student entering between the sixth and ninth week of the semester will take the semester examinations; however, consideration should be given to the material missed in computing the grade.
		3.	A student entering during the second nine-week grading period of the semester will take the semester examinations but no grade need be recorded. Care should be taken in helping the student to understand that the examination is a means by which the student and the teacher can determine weak areas that need reinforcement.