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SHARED RESPONSIBILITIES:
School Staff
A common purpose and a shared responsibility among parents, students, and
teachers is
the foundation supporting grading practices.
The teacher's responsibility is to base grades
upon fair and consistent standards and to
communicate these practices to each student.
Grades are to be determined by student
performance on teacher-initiated assignments, tests, homework, projects, and
class
participation. Students will be informed of
progress periodically. Three types of grades
are earned:
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Grades that reflect cumulative academic
progress.
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Citizenship grades and comments that
describe personal behavior of the student
in class and which are reported separately
from academic and work habit grades.
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Work habit grades that describe how a
student organizes, conducts and com pletes assignments, and which are
reported separately from academic and
citizenship grades.
If report cards are not received within two
weeks of the end of the grading period,
telephone the school to secure a copy of the
report card.
SHARED RESPONSIBILITIES:
Students and Parents
The success of a student grading plan is dependent upon the cooperation,
interest, and assumption of responsibilities by teachers, parents,
and students. The Fullerton Joint Union High
School District Board of Trustees and staff
believe that students and parents should:
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Understand that student academic success
is tied to attendance. If the student is to have
the greatest opportunity to learn, consistent
attendance is essential.
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Understand the course expectations and
grading practices, asking questions if
needed.
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Stay informed of progress. Parents can gain
information by discussing progress with
students regularly and by asking teachers.
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Understand how things are going at school.
Know why a student's grade is�or is not�
up to family standards. It is the parent's
responsibility to communicate with the
teacher if additional information or help is
needed at home to improve a student's
grades.
If a parent or student disagrees with a grade
received, a review may be initiated by contacting
the teacher. If the matter is not resolved, the
parents or student may then contact the principal/designee for further
assistance. The final
step is documentation in writing, provided to the
school principal for review as outlined in District
Board Policy 1312 - Complaints Concerning
School Personnel.
GRADES:
What Do They Stand For?
Grades are based on student-demonstrated
mastery of subject matter, not on the traditional curve. The curve will result
in some
students doing well while others fail. Subject
mastery makes it possible for all students to
do well.
Letter grades are used for most courses and are
based on the following values for computing
grade point averages (GPA):
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A
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Excellent
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4 FOR GPA
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B
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Above Average
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3 FOR GPA
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C
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Average
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2 FOR GPA
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D
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Below Average
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1 FOR GPA
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F
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Failing
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0 FOR GPA
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I
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Incomplete
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P/F
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Pass or Fail
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0 FOR GPA
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Incomplete�Reverts to an 'F' if not
made up prior to the end of the quarter
following the Incomplete.
(Pass/fail grades are seldom used.)
Weighted grades are used with some courses,
and earn an extra point of GPA value for A (5
points), B (4 points), and C (3 points).
Citizenship and work habits are graded '0" for
outstanding, "S" for satisfactory, "N" for needs
improvement, and "U" for unsatisfactory.
GRADES:
When Will They Be Issued?
Progress reports are issued at designated
times or by special arrangement with the
teacher. Final grades are earned at the
conclusion of a course. There are two reporting periods for all students each
semester,
and two additional reports for students in
danger of failing or failing (earning a
D or F). Additional reports are provided at the
option of the teacher.
Report cards are compiled, computerized, and
mailed within two weeks following the end of
the semester. Grades should be received
within two weeks after the grading periods
noted below.
SEMESTER GRADING PERIODS:
1st Week:
Teachers review course expectations and grading practices with students. This
information is given to every student in writing.
After the first week of the course, any
changes to course expectations or grading
practices will also be provided in writing to
students and parents.
5th Week:
Progress Reports for all students
earning a D or F; optional for others at
teacher's discretion.
9th Week:
Progress Report, all students.
(Final grades for students in quarter classes.)
14th Week:
Progress Report for all students earning a D
orF; optional for others at teacher's discretion.
19th Week:
Final grades for all students.
REPORT CARDS
Grade reports are the teacher's professional
tools to appraise, record, and report on the
achievement and performance of each student. The reports are important
indicators to
both students and teachers.
GRADES:
Why Are They Important?
Students and parents can readily understand
the importance of grades, because grades:
Reflect student achievement in District
courses.
Provide parents/guardians, school staff
members, colleges, universities, and
vocational schools with accurate and
required information on student achievement.
Provide information needed for appropriate
decisions regarding the student's instructional placement or employment.
Grades take time to prepare, require careful
thought, and can serve as the teacher's own
test of effectiveness as well... Was the instruction understood? Did the
student learn?
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