ELANOnline Home | StraussEsmay.com

To Policy

To Statutes:

To Codes:

To Digest

Search District Regulations
  District Regulations TOC

District Regulation



A.            PURPOSE OF GRADING

 

1.             The purpose of grading is to assist pupils in the process of learning; all grading systems will be subject to continual review and revision to that end.

 

2.             Grades acknowledge a pupil's demonstrated proficiency in the New Jersey Core Curriculum Content Standards and locally established learning goals and objectives:

 

a.             Active participation in and attention to daily lessons,

 

b.             Frequent contribution to discussions,

 

c.             Prompt, thorough, accurate, and neat preparation of assignments,

 

d.             Thorough preparation and performance on tests and assessments,

 

e.             Display of an eagerness to learn and an inquisitive approach to lessons,

 

f.              Attention to the need for proper materials,

 

g.             Cooperation with the teacher's efforts, and

 

h.             Willingness to work to the best of his/her ability and to do more than the minimum expected.

 

B.            PREPARATION FOR GRADING

 

1.             Each pupil must be informed of the behavior and achievements expected of him/her at the outset of each course of study or unit of study.

 

2.             Each pupil must be kept informed of his/her progress during the course of a unit of study.  Pupils who so request are entitled to see the grades resulting from their performance during the grading period.

 

3.             Each method of grading shall be appropriate to the course of study and the maturity and abilities of the pupils.

 

4.             Pupils should be encouraged to evaluate their own achievements.

 

5.             The process of review and revision will involve teaching staff members, parent(s) or legal guardian(s), and, as appropriate, pupils.

 

C.            GRADING PERIODS

 

1.             Grades will be awarded at the end of four marking periods in each school year.

 

2.             Pupils will be given notice of their mid-term grades at mid-point of each marking period.

 

3.             Pupils will be given a final grade in each subject at the end of the school year.

 

4.             Grades will be recorded on report cards for parent(s) or legal guardian(s) notification in accordance with Policy No. 5420 and Regulation No. 5420.

 

D.            BASIC FOR GRADING

 

The teacher responsible for assigning a grade should take into consideration the pupil's:

 

1.             Completion of written assignments prepared in the classroom or elsewhere;

 

2.             Oral contributions in class, including discussion responses, observations, panel  

3.             Performance on oral and written tests and quizzes;

 

4.             Research into standard references and other background materials;

 

5.             Oral and written reports on materials read by the pupil;

 

6.             Laboratory work;

 

7.             Term papers;

 

8.             Special oral or written reports;

 

9.             Other evidences of the pupil's constructive efforts and achievements in learning; and

 

10.           For the final grade, the pupil's attendance record, in accordance with Policy Nos. 5200, 5410, and 5460.

 

E.             MEANING OF GRADES

 

1.             The following grades will be given in each academic subject at the end of each marking period:

 

a.             A grade of A indicates superior performance.  It may be given to a pupil whose achievement is significantly above grade level; whose work achieves a quality and quantity that consistently excels; and who demonstrates a high degree of initiative, application, and purpose.

 

b.             A grade of B indicates above average performance.  It should be given to a pupil whose achievement is above grade level; whose work frequently excels; and who generally demonstrates strength in the subject.

 

c.             A grade of C indicates average performance.  It should be given to a pupil whose achievement in most areas of the subject are average; whose work is acceptable; and who demonstrates a satisfactory degree of proficiency.

 

d.             A grade of D indicates below average performance.  It should be given to a pupil whose achievement in the subject is barely passing, whose work is the minimum acceptable for credit, and who demonstrates only weak proficiencies in the subject.

 

e.             A grade of F indicates failing performance and that no credit can be given for the subject.  It should be given to a pupil who has not met the minimum requirements of the course, who has demonstrated an inability or unwillingness to master the basic elements of the course, or who has failed to meet the minimum attendance standards necessary to pass a course of study.

 

f.              In grades kindergarten and one, a letter grading system is used.  This grading system is linked to growth and display of the understanding of concepts presented to build the foundation for future learning.

 

 

                 

g.       A grade of "Incomplete" will be given to those pupils unable to complete the work assigned to the course for reasons beyond the pupil's control, such as the pupil's disability.

 

(1)     A teacher who submits a grade of incomplete will accompany the grade with a reasonable estimate of the amount of time the pupil will require to complete the work necessary for the granting of credit.

(2)   Except as may be required by unusual circumstances, make-up work should be completed within two weeks of the end of the marking period or, if the pupil is disabled at the end of the marking period, two weeks after the pupil's return to school.

(3)   The pupil’s completed work will be graded and the teacher will submit a grade, which will replace the incomplete grade on the pupil’s transcript.

(4)   A pupil who does not complete the work within the period allowed will receive a grade of zero for the incomplete work.

 

 

 F. GRADING SCALES AND INDICATORS

                1.Grades Pre-Kindergarten, Kindergarten and Grade 1 Academic Grading

 

Statement of Purpose

With very young children, we believe that recording behavioral observations is the best way to provide a grading system, especially when combined with evidence from specific written class work and assessments.

 

Pre-Kindergarten andKindergarten

1 = Consistently Displayed

2 = Developing

3 = Developing with Assistance

4 = Not Evident

 

Grade 1

 

1 = Excellent

2= Satisfactory/Proficient

3 = Needs Improvement

4 = Unsatisfactory/Below Grade Level

 

2. Grades 2-8 Academic Grading

 

Pluses and Minuses

 It is neither necessary nor possible to issue marks to students which divide them into minute categories.  For instance, if we use the A, B, C, D, and F letters for marks and further divide them into pluses (+) and minuses (-), we could divide a class of 25 pupils into 15 categories.  On the basis of ten weeks of school, we do not believe children can be so infinitely marked and, therefore, pluses and minuses are not to be used on report cards in grades 2 through 8.

 

 Passing and Failing: Quality Points

 Each letter grade has the following quality point value: A = 4, B = 3, C = 2, D = 1, F = 0.  In order to pass a given subject the following criteria must be met:

 

1.      A student must have earned passing grades in a minimum of three quality points in that subject.

2.      A student must also have earned passing grade in a minimum of two marking periods.  In a subject that meets half a year, the student must pass one of the two marking periods.

 

However, these are guidelines only and professional judgment may supercede these standards.

 

Criteria for Marking Period Grades for Grades 2 through 8

                10% = Homework

                10% = Participation

                80% = Projects, Tests, Quizzes, Papers, etc.

 

 

Grading Scales for Academic Subjects

 

Grade 2 and 3 Scale for Reading, Language Arts, Spelling, and Mathematics only 

A = 91-100

B = 83-90

C = 75-82

D = 67-74

F = 66 and Below

 

Grade 2 and 3 Scale for Social Studies, Science, and Handwriting Only 

O = Outstanding

S = Satisfactory

I = Needs Improvement

NR = No Rating

INC = Incomplete

 

Grade4through 8 Scale for All Academic Subjects, Other than Related Arts

A = 91-100

B = 83-90

C = 75-82

D = 67-74

F = 66 and Below

INC = Incomplete

NR = No Rating

 

3.  Kindergarten through Grade 8 Related Arts Grading

    (The related Arts may include Art, World Languages, Music, Technology Education, Computers, Enrichment,  Health and Physical Education)

                Criteria for Marking Period Grades

 

                Grades Kindergarten through 5

                30% Formal Evaluation and Projects

                70% Participation, Procedures, Preparation, Homework

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

 Grade 6 through 8 by subject (Brackets denote split percentages)

 

Subject

%

Test

Or

Project

%

Class work

(Documenta-tion in Tech Ed)

%

Participation

Conduct

(Sportsman-ship)

%

Prepara-tion

%

Home

Work

(Portfolio

In Art)

Spanish

25

25

25

 

 

Phys Ed

30

 

30

40

 

Health

60

 

30

 

10

Tech Ed

40

60

 

 

 

Music

Band

(7&8 only

50

(50)

(50)

(50)

 

Art

50

(25)

(25)

 

25

 

 

Grading Scales for Related Arts 

                Kindergarten through Grade 3 Scale in Related Arts

                O = Outstanding

                S = Satisfactory

                I = Improvement Needed

 

               

                Grades 4 through 8Scale in Related Arts

                A = 91-100

                B = 83-90

                C = 75-82               

                D = 67-74

                F = 66 and Below

 

               

                               

               

 

G.            GRADE VALIDATION

 

In order that he/she may justify a grade, each teacher is directed to retain in his/her possession the following records to validate grades awarded to pupils.  The records should be kept for a minimum of six years after the end of the school year in which the grades were awarded.

 

1.             The daily attendance and tardiness record;

 

2.             All grades earned for classroom activities such as quizzes, tests, reports, and class recitations;

 

3.             All grades earned for activities conducted elsewhere, such as homework assignments and term papers;

 

4.             Any notation regarding the meaning of each grade and its relation to the type of activity or material covered;

 

5.             Any notation of discussions with the pupil on a grade or the pupil's cumulative grade average;

 

6.             Any referrals for guidance, discipline, and the like; and

 

7.             Any notations recording communications between the teacher and the parent(s) or legal guardian(s), the Principal, or other teaching staff members.

 

H.            APPEAL

 

1.             Each teacher is responsible for the determination of the grade a pupil receives for participation in the teacher's course of study.

 

2.             Each teacher may be required to furnish reasons, supported by evidence (see F. above) to substantiate any grade earned.

 

3.             If a grade is challenged by a pupil or a parent(s) or legal guardian(s), the teacher will convene a conference and will explain the grading system and the reasons for the final grade.

 

4.             If the parent(s) or legal guardian(s) or pupil is not satisfied by the teacher's explanations, he/she may appeal the grade to the Principal, who will consult with the teacher and the pupil in an attempt to resolve the dispute.  The Principal will give every reasonable deference to the teacher's professional judgment.

 

5.             If the Principal determines that the grade should be changed, he/she will alter the grade on all records and indicate by whose authority the grade has been changed.

 

6.             No reprisals will be taken in any form against a teacher who remains determined in his/her belief that the grade originally given is fair and correct.

 

7.             The Superintendent may hear an appeal from the Principal's determination.  Only in the most extraordinary circumstances will the Superintendent alter a grade determined at the school building level.

 

I.  Additional Information on Grading

 

1.Interim Progress reports

 

Parents are also reminded halfway through each marking period that they may receive through the mail Interim Progress Reports for students having problems in one or more subject areas.  The Guidance Counselors are always available to discuss these reports or the report cards.  Failure to receive warning of a failure does not guarantee that a child is passing. Further reports may not be made unless a parent specifically requests one. Parents should monitor their child's work carefully.

 

2.The Procedure For Determining the Top Students In Grade 8

 

The procedure for determining the top students in Grade 8 for the school year will be available at the beginning of the school year. The determination of the top students is based upon the numerical averages of the students in all academic and Related Arts subjects for the first three marking periods of the school year. Honors classes in both academics and the Related Arts receive a multiplier weighting increasing the numerical value of these classes.  The top students with the highest numerical averages are recognized at Grade 8 Graduation.

 

3.Eligibility To Participate In Interscholastic Sports

 

The impact of grades on eligibility to participate in interscholastic sports: If a student has a failing grade in anyone major  subject or in any two special subjects, when report cards are issued, he/she is ineligible to try out for and participate in the sport.

 

 

 

Issued: 17 October 2000

Revised: 16 January 2001

Revised: 11 January 2005

Revised : 5 September 2006

 

© 2008 Strauss Esmay Associates, LLP
1886 Hinds Road, Suite 1, Toms River, NJ 08753
ph: (732)255-1500 fax: (732)255-1502