Grading Policy

INST 3.9

All archdiocesan K - 8 schools will follow this grading policy to ensure consistent, transparent, and fair grading of student academic performance.

Purpose:

To ensure consistent, clear grading practices that accurately reflect student academic performance and mastery of the curriculum.

Overview of Grading and Reporting:

Grades are a tool to measure and communicate a student's academic performance and mastery of the curriculum. They provide valuable feedback to students, parents, and educators about students' understanding of the material, areas of strength, and areas of improvement. Grades help guide instructional decisions, support student learning, and ensure accountability in the educational process. By reflecting academic achievement, grades serve to motivate students to strive for excellence and foster a culture of continuous learning and growth.  

Grading by Grade Band:

Grades K–2

In Kindergarten through Grade 2, grading is standards-based and reflects student developmental readiness and progression toward mastery. The focus is on growth, skill acquisition, and demonstration of understanding through developmentally appropriate learning experiences. Progress is reported using performance levels.  The levels are defined as: Consistently Demonstrating (CD), Making Progress (MP), Developing (DV), Support Needed (SN), and Not Assessed at this Time (NA).

Assessment Practices

Assessment methods include, but are not limited to: teacher observations, classwork, student discussions, portfolios, checklists, quizzes, and tests.  Formal quizzes and tests are administered in developmentally appropriate ways to assess student understanding. While traditional numerical weighting is not applied in Grades K–2, assessment results are used to inform instructional decisions and report progress toward mastery of grade-level standards.

Homework

Homework is assigned to reinforce skills already taught in the classroom and may be graded when appropriate.  Assignments should be completed independently and take, on average, approximately 10 minutes per night for students in kindergarten and 1st grade, and 20 minutes per night for students in 2nd grade.  

Behavior

Behavior is reported separately using Criteria for Conduct and is not factored into academic performance indicators.

Grades 3-8 

Grades are a reflection of the student’s classroom performance and academic mastery of the content and are weighted in the gradebook for each class in the following 3 categories: Classwork and Assignments (60%), Assessments (30%), and Homework and Practice (10%). 

Category 1: Classwork and Assignments (60%)

Formative assessments including application, projects, writing, and practice activities.

• Classwork and assignments are completed during class time and demonstrate a clear understanding of the material. These formative assignments may be graded for accuracy, comprehension, completion, and/or depth of thought.

• Practice activities include tasks that help reinforce learning such as drills, exercises, and review activities. These activities are integrated with class content and help students solidify their understanding.

Category 2: Assessments  (30%)

Summative measures of mastery including quizzes, tests, and projects.

• Projects require students to apply learned concepts in more complex, real-world situations. These summative projects can be assessed on both the process (e.g., research, organization) and the final product (e.g., depth of analysis, creativity).

• Quizzes and tests are formal assessments that measure student retention and comprehension.  Quizzes assess smaller portions of the content, while tests include larger units or major concepts. 

Category 3: Homework and Practice (10%)

Formative practice and preparation primarily completed outside of class.

• Homework assignments will be graded for completion, and may be graded for accuracy if the concepts were previously taught. These assignments provide students with opportunities to practice and review the content discussed in class.

• Practice assignments are tasks completed during class or at home that reinforce previously taught concepts. They include, but are not limited to, exit tickets, spelling

tests, math fact drills, or other review activities that support skill development and content retention. 

Special Subjects

Participation, engagement, and skill demonstration are used to assess subjects like Art, Music, Technology and Physical Education, using the same performance indicators.  Please note, specials that meet 3 or more times per week are eligible to receive letter grades. Specials meeting less than 3 times per week will use performance levels.

Behavior

Behavior is evaluated separately through the Criteria for Conduct and is not included in academic grades. Grades are an accurate reflection of a student's academic performance, regardless of their behavior.

Subjects and Activities Requiring Participation

There are courses and activities in which demonstration of mastery through participation is the only way to assess skills and application. These include, but are not limited to:

• Music: Participation in performances, rehearsals, and practice sessions is essential to demonstrate mastery of musical skills.

• Art: Active participation in art projects, critiques, and exhibitions is necessary to showcase artistic abilities.

• Physical Education: Participating in physical activities, sports, and fitness assessments is crucial for demonstrating physical skills and fitness levels.

Additional Grading Considerations

• The range of student scores is from 0% - 100%.  No other grading minimums or maximums are allowed. 

• Extra credit assignments or questions are not allowed.

• As a general practice, assessment retakes are not allowed.  

• Participation in class discussions may be assessed as part of the learning process, as it provides students with opportunities to demonstrate understanding, communicate ideas clearly, and engage thoughtfully with course content and peers.