Grading Changes in Middle and High Schools

Changes to Policy Code: 3400 Student Evaluations and Grading

In June 2024, CHCCS made significant updates to student grading regulations based on feedback from students, parents and educators. These changes are in place for the 2024-25 school year: 

What's Changed?

• The 50% floor previously applied to individual assignments/assessments has been adjusted to a 50% floor only for the quarterly and final report card grades.
• Individual assignments/assessments can now be given the exact score a student earned, including “incomplete” or “zero”. Parents/caregivers will now be able to see when an assignment has not been turned in, as the grade will be a zero.
• Previously, there was less distinction between whether a student scored a 50% on an assignment, or chose not to do the assignment at all, because the grades were the same. This change allows for more accurate feedback on areas where students struggle or miss work, and it strengthens the communication bond between home and school.
• Reassessment: Students may retake any assessment once if they score below 80% (mastery) on the initial attempt. However, the maximum score they can earn on a reassessment is 80%. Previously, mastery was set at 70%, and students could earn up to 100% on re-assessments.

What's the Same?

• Grades are divided into two categories, each weighted equally:
  • “Constructing and Practicing” Academic Knowledge and Skills – Minimum of 8 assignments per quarter
  • “Assessing” Academic Knowledge and Skills – Minimum of 2 assessments per quarter
• Students can retake sections of an assessment one time to improve their grades rather than retaking the entire assessment where mastery was shown for particular standards.
• Before being offered a reassessment opportunity, students should participate in "relearning" to understand the content better.

As stated by the Board of Education in Policy Regulation 3400-R Student Evaluations and Grading, “Teachers and schools should strive to ensure that grading practices are transparent, consistent, and unbiased, and that all students have equal opportunities to succeed and demonstrate their mastery of academic standards.”

For additional details, please see the materials shared with the Board of Education and the public during the June 20, 2024, Board meeting.

Questions about grades can best be addressed by your student’s teacher.