District 230 seeks to establish an atmosphere in each classroom which actively fosters academic integrity. Teachers recognize that academic integrity is important to the learning environment. Students should also recognize that academic integrity is an integral part of the learning process. Definitions of academic dishonesty are included but not limited to: cheating, intentionally plagiarizing, wrongfully giving or receiving help during an academic examination, wrongfully obtaining test copies or scores, representing someone else’s academic work as one’s own, altering grades/assignments, or student use of any unauthorized material in an attempt to present it as their own. This offense also includes anyone who assists another in cheating. Students will be afforded their Due Process Rights to determine violation of academic integrity. A charge of academic dishonesty will result in parent notification, counselor notification, a “zero” for the assignment, a possible referral to the Deans’ office, and exclusion from school-related honor societies and scholarships including but not limited to National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, and Department Academic Achievement Awards or any other applicable school clubs or organizations.
Every teacher shall maintain an evaluation record based on the approved grading scale for each student in the teacher’s assigned courses.
1) The grading scale for all courses is as follows: 10–Point Scale
99 – 100 = A +
92 – 98 = A
90 – 91 = A -
88 – 89 = B +
82 – 87 = B
80 – 81 = B -
78 – 79 = C +
72 – 77 = C
70 – 71 = C -
68 – 69 = D +
62 – 67 = D
60 – 61 = D -
0 – 59 = F
2) Grades of “C-“ or higher will be weighted in Honors and AP classes to recognize rigor (See 6:280–AP4).
3) Grades will be computed on an 18-week basis each semester to demonstrate cumulative progress.
4) Starting in 2018-2019, District developed End of the Semester Common Summative Assessments will be weighted at 20% of the overall final grade for common courses. Exceptions will be made for dual enrolled and or dual credit courses in accordance with school Board Policy 6:310.
5) For other courses that have not completed the curriculum review, semester exam grades may be weighted up to 20% of the overall semester grade; this calculation will be the same for common courses. Exceptions will be made for dual enrolled and or dual credit courses in accordance with school Board Policy 6:310. 6) Percent's greater than or equal to .5 will be rounded up to determine grades .
1) All students, shall participate in a final assessment in each course at the conclusion of each semester. Students in their final semester before graduation, who are earning an “A” in a course, may be excluded from taking the final assessment. Some exceptions apply, including but not limited to dual enrollment, dual credit, and or transitional courses. The purpose of the final assessment is to assess the student’s mastery of course objectives.
2) The final assessment shall consist of one or more of the following formats:
a) Formal written assessment which gives appropriate evidence of course mastery.
b) Take home assessment which gives appropriate evidence of course mastery.
c) Performance Based Assessment (written, constructed, or performed) which gives appropriate evidence of course mastery.
d) Oral assessment which gives appropriate evidence of course mastery. e) Other forms of assessment which give more appropriate evidence of course mastery, as approved by the department/division chair.
3) Final assessments shall be administered on the designated days at the end of each semester. Exceptions must be approved by the department/division chair. Exceptions for administration of any final assessments, including End of Semester Common Summative assessments, outside of the Final Exam Schedule must be pre-approved by the department/division chair.
4) The grade received on a End of Semester Common Summative Assessment (for courses that have completed the curriculum cycle) or final assessment shall be entered appropriately into the student management system.
5) End of Semester Common Summative Assessments (for courses that have completed the curriculum cycle) or final assessments are a required assessment in all courses. Exams are scheduled the last three days of each semester to demonstrate student’s mastery of course material. We encourage families to avoid scheduling trips during these three days, but understand that circumstances arise in families that may make it necessary for a child to be absent one or more of these scheduled exam days. For final exams that are not project-based which may be turned in ahead of time, Consolidated High School District 230 does provide for an early semester exam option at parent cost. The cost for EACH exam taken ahead of time is equal to the pay rate for early semester tests outlined in the Teachers’ Association agreement to cover staff salaries for time needed to prepare and administer the exam. Students should alert their counselors and teachers as soon as possible to allow time to plan for the early administration of exams. Students with final projects due should consult individual teachers for due dates. Students who fail to appear for the semester exams, except in cases of illness or emergency, will be required to pay the same fee for each late exam.
Calculating and Reporting of Grade Point Average and Class Percentile Rank (Policy 6:280 AP4)
A Pass/Grade option is available to 11th and 12th-grade students (*) in District 230 for a maximum of one course not required for graduation per semester and one during summer sessions beginning the summer prior to 11th grade. (*Driver’s Education may be taken Pass/Grade by students not yet at 11th-grade status.)
Students earning a grade of "C" or higher will receive a grade of "pass." A grade of "pass" will not be included in the calculation of GPA. (*Driver's Education may be taken Pass/Grade by students not yet at 11th grade status)
Course Prerequisite/Recommendation Waiver (Policy 6:310-E2)
Repeating For a Higher Grade
A student may repeat a course previously taken as an audit or for credit. If the credit option is used:
The higher of the two grades will be used to compute GPA and rank.
Both of the two grades will remain on the transcript. No credits or qualifying points will be issued for the lower grade.
“Withdrawal from Class” guidelines will apply, however, there will be no GPA penalty for an “F” withdrawal grade or “F” semester grade if the student takes the class a second time.
Students and parents should complete the appropriate form from the guidance department in order to participate in this option.
Audit for Courses (Policy 6:310 AP1)
A comprehensive testing program is provided for all students. The purposes of the testing program are to provide students, parents and professional staff members with information concerning student achievement, and interests.
Teachers and parents are encouraged to confer at any time regarding the student’s progress. Contact times can be arranged by contacting the teacher(s) during school hours.
Attend parent-teacher conferences. Provide a study-conducive atmosphere and supervises their child's completion of course work. Review child's grades and report card online and provide appropriate feedback to their child Whenever a question or concern arises contact appropriate teacher or other school staff member. In order to object to a grade or retention decision, first confer with the appropriate teacher and, if still not satisfied, contact the Building Principal.
Semester grades, attendance, and credits are included on all transcripts. GPA will be reported on official transcripts for all students. Percentile rank will be reported on official transcripts beginning the second semester of freshmen year.