File: IZE
GRADING, PROMOTION, AND REPORTING STUDENT PROGRESS
Philosophy
Evaluation is an integral part of learning and teaching. The process used must be
understood by teachers, parents, and pupils. It must convey in specific terms the status of
progress, or the lack thereof, and provide direction for further teaching and learning.
Of primary importance in student evaluation is the attainment of the stated competencies
of a particular subject. However, the components which make up the evaluation should be many
and varied; homework, teacher-made, local, and state test results, constructive class participation,
earnest desire to learn, attempts to complete assignments, initiative, capability, regular
attendance at school, promptness, and respect for the dignity and the rights of others should be
considered.
The evaluation process encompasses the above components with an effort to enhance the
student's self-esteem and promote regular progress. A teacher must recognize differences in
curricula, classes, and individuals when determining expectations and when evaluating students.
At times, the grading of students with letter grades may not be practical, i.e. limited English
proficient students. With the written permission of the principal, a teacher may use a narrative
report to evaluate student progress when encountering extenuating circumstances.
Pupil Reporting
1.
Regular formal progress reports will be made on a nine-week basis for all grades.
2.
While these regular formal reports are very important, many other methods of
communicating with parents regarding the progress of their child are essential. Some of
the following should be used as additional methods of reporting:
a. Conferences
b. Folders of the student's work
c. Written narratives (for example: communications to parents in the
form of letters, comments on the report cards)
d. Reports on Standards of Learning progress, scores on local and state
tests, information from student’s reading card
e. Interim reports
3.
Report cards – the following symbols will be used:
a. Kindergarten
S = Satisfactory
P = Progressing
N = Needs to Improve
b. Grade 1
Core Subjects:
O = Outstanding
S = Satisfactory
P = Progressing
N = Needs Improvement
Other Subjects:
Same as above
c. Grade 2
Core Subjects:
A = Outstanding
B = Above Average
C = Average
N = Needs Improvement
Other Subjects:
O,S,P,N
(continued)
6/15 RCPS
ROCKINGHAM COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD
File: IZE
(page 2)
d. Grades 3-5
Core Subjects:
A = Outstanding
B = Above Average
C = Average Work
D = Below Average Work
F = Progress too slow for successful
completion of subject requirements
Other subjects:
O,S,P.N
4.
e. Grades 6 through 12
A = Outstanding Work
B = Above Average Work
C = Average Work
D = Below Average Work
F = Progress too slow for successful
completion of course requirements
Many of the components in the evaluation of student work cited in the “philosophy”
section of this policy, cannot be given a numerical equivalent. Where a numerical
equivalent is appropriate, the county standard is:
a.
b.
A=
B=
C=
D=
F=
90-100
80-89
70-79
60-69
59 and below
To determine grade point average (GPA) for high school courses, the scale shall be:
Regular
A=4
B=3
C=2
D=1
Honors
4.5
3.5
2.5
1.5
Advanced Placement and College Courses (weighted)
A=5
B=4
C=3
D=2
c.
Plus (+) or minus (-) may be used at the discretion of the teacher.
d.
Examinations – At the teachers’ discretion, first semester examinations for yearlong courses, may be given for high school credit courses. These exams will
count as 14% of the semester grade.
e.
A student in courses for high school credit shall be exempt from the final
examination providing that the student maintains a grade of 90% or higher
through the last grading period of the course. The Superintendent may, at his/her
discretion, administratively exempt other students from the examination
requirement, i.e. as part of an attendance-incentive procedure or SOL-incentive
procedure.
f.
Courses eligible for Honors designation are the following courses: U.S. History,
Government, Chemistry, Physics, Biology II, Chemistry II, Foreign Language(s)
IV and V, Analysis, Calculus, English 11 and 12, Research and Inquiry, and
courses offered through Massanutten Governor’s School that do not carry college
credit. Summer assignments are controlled by the principal.
(continued)
6/15 RCPS
ROCKINGHAM COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD
File: IZE
(page 3)
g.
Weighted grades will be awarded for courses passed from an accredited college
including dual enrollment courses offered through Massanutten Governor’s
School or Massanutten Technical Center (MTC). Eligible courses taken for high
school credit must have prior principal approval.
h.
Courses to be graded on a pass/fail basis include peer tutoring, business/industry
mentorship, and teaching mentorship.
i.
Students pursuing an IEP diploma are measured on meeting the goals and
objectives of their individualized education plan (IEP). Since these goals may
include life skills, daily functioning, and some limited academic concepts,
students may be graded on a pass/fail basis.
Promotion
It is the purpose of the schools of Rockingham County to meet the educational needs of
all students. It is recognized that each child is unique and that all students in a class will progress
at a different rate.
When necessary, children should be retained in a grade when it is determined by the
teacher, principal and parent that retention is in the best interest of the child. When a
disagreement arises about a student’s retention, the principal shall make the final decision about
promotion/retention of student.
Middle School Promotion Requirements
Middle school students in sixth and seventh grade must pass five (5) out of seven (7)
courses. Within the courses passed, four (4) core subjects must be passed. The core subjects are
social studies, science, reading, English and mathematics.
Middle school students in eighth grade must pass six (6) courses for promotion. Within
the courses passed, four (4) core subjects must be passed. The core subjects are social studies,
science, English, mathematics, and computer literacy/technology.
Failure to pass the required number of courses will result in the student being required to
attend a middle school summer program. Failure to successfully complete summer school
requirements will result in the student being retained by the principal.
High School Promotion Requirements
Students earning the following number of “standard” credits will be classified as:
Freshman (9th grader) … under 5 credits
Sophomore (10th grader) … 5 to 9 credits
Junior (11th grader) …10 to 14 credits
Senior (12th grader) … 15 or more credits
6/15 RCPS
ROCKINGHAM COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD
(continued)
File: IZE
(page 4)
Verified credits needed for graduation will be earned as students pass state end-of-course
SOL tests.
Adopted:
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
Legal Ref.:
Code of Virginia, 1950, as amended § 22.1-78
Cross Ref.:
IKEB
IKF
LEB
JZQ
6/15 RCPS
Acceleration of Students
Graduation Requirements
College Courses for Credit
Transfer of Students from Nonpublic Schools
ROCKINGHAM COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD