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As previously communicated, in accordance with the Governor’s Executive Order to stay at home during the COVID-19 pandemic, all SBUnified schools will continue to provide emergency distance learning through the end of this academic school year. The District’s goals during this time are to provide learning activities that build appropriate grade-level skills and content knowledge, maintain a connection between students and teachers, and account for the variety of demands this unique time places on students, families and staff. This transition to distance learning requires a different approach to student grading that will hold students harmless from the difficult circumstances they may face.
We know some students may struggle to process new material or demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of learning under these extraordinary circumstances. Our lower income students and students with special needs may experience even greater challenges, while students whose families have been impacted in new ways by the pandemic may not have the ability to fully engage in distance learning. In recognition of the uncertainty, stress and inherent educational inequities that exist at present, staff recommended that no report cards be issued during this third trimester as the most equitable approach to evaluating student learning. Subsequently, the Board of Education approved a comprehensive grading policy for the duration of the 2019-20 school year at a special board meeting held on Thursday, April 23, 2020.
Again, our goal is to continue to support our students’ learning, build connections with them, and find ways to support them during distance learning. Teachers, staff and administrators will remain focused on keeping our students highly engaged, connected, and invested in their learning. Teachers will continue to have regular contact, to assign work, to provide feedback on the work, to provide resources to ensure that our students have a variety of opportunities to strengthen their understanding of essential learning targets for their respective grade level. SBUnified remains committed to preparing students to be successful now and in the future.
For more information and resources, please continue to visit our district’s webpage at https://www.sbunified.org/. Included on this page is information about distance learning, technology support including internet connectivity, mental health and wellness resources and contacts, food and other assistance for families in need, enrichment resources, and more.
Thank you for your understanding and partnership.
1. What is the grading policy for the final reporting period of the 2019-2020 school year?
1. What is the grading policy for the final reporting period of the 2019-2020 school year?
Elementary Schools
Elementary schools will not issue report cards for Trimester 3 (June 2020) and instead focus on providing ongoing feedback on learning to students and families for 2019-2020.
Junior High Schools
Junior high schools will operate under a credit/no credit policy for spring semester 2020.
Senior High Schools
High schools will implement a Credit (CR)/No Credit (NC) grading system for spring semester with an option for letter grades if a student so chooses.
The default standard is a credit/no credit grading for all students.
Students may opt to earn a letter grade for individual courses.
2. How will the policy be applied?
2. How will the policy be applied?
The guidance provided by the California Department of Education (CDE) allowed for the use of alternate grading practices during school closures due to COVID-19. As is mentioned in the policy above, there will be no report cards issued for the third trimester as was planned.
3. What does “ongoing feedback” mean?
3. What does “ongoing feedback” mean?
Throughout the school year, teachers are able to provide information and feedback to students and their families about learning that takes place in the classroom. Teachers regularly use observations, student work, projects, as well as various forms of assessments to inform the progress of a child’s learning. In this transition to remote learning, many of those forms of gathering that information have been compromised. What is possible, however, is to use various forms of communication that are available to provide feedback to students and families. These may include weekly check-ins, phone calls, emails and virtual meetings.
4. Does my child need to complete assignments during distance learning?
4. Does my child need to complete assignments during distance learning?
It is expected that every child will continue to participate in planned activities during remote learning, including making every attempt to complete assignments. Teachers continue to provide learning opportunities based on grade-level expectations, therefore having each child participate fully continues to make a difference to their learning progress. If your child cannot participate in an activity, it is important to reach out to your child’s teacher and school. If the reason is one of access or time, there will be a way to develop a plan for your child to participate.
5. Will my child take assessments or tests during distance learning?
5. Will my child take assessments or tests during distance learning?
Assessments and quizzes are not required in grades preschool-6 distance learning. If a teacher chooses to give an assessment or quiz to monitor learning progress, the information gathered only to inform future instruction and to provide feedback to students and families.
6. How will I know if my child is completing their work?
6. How will I know if my child is completing their work?
It is encouraged that parents and families continue to reach out to their teacher for follow-up on their child’s participation in remote learning.
7. Where can I find assignments for my child’s class?
7. Where can I find assignments for my child’s class?
Assignments and learning activities will be communicated by teachers and schools, via various methods of communication. These may include email, teacher websites, and Google Classroom.
8. What impact will this policy have on a student’s record?
8. What impact will this policy have on a student’s record?
The use of alternate grading practices were provided in guidelines developed by CDE. The guidance from CDE was undergirded by the principle of “do no harm” regarding the evaluation of student learning.
9. What impact will this policy have on my child’s transition to junior high school?
9. What impact will this policy have on my child’s transition to junior high school?
As a unified school district, all schools are aware of the policy approved by the board of education. As such, there is already an understanding that report cards for trimester 3 will not be part of a student’s educational record. Furthermore, there are several other points of information that can and will be utilized to make recommendations about course placement at junior high school.
10. How do I motivate my child if s/he/they is not earning a letter grade?
10. How do I motivate my child if s/he/they is not earning a letter grade?
Motivation is complex and can be both extrinsic or external (grades, paychecks, etc.) or intrinsic or internal (desire to learn, urge to help others, etc). While many of us are motivated by external factors, such as grades, there is also motivation that can come from keeping up with learning, pride in doing good work, and preparing for next year, whether in the context of high school, college, or the world of work. Many students are suffering from a loss of routine and normal life and some are experiencing new levels of stress, anxiety, and/or depression due to school closure. We encourage you to talk openly with your student about feelings during this time, especially around school work, and the importance of learning for its own sake. Please reach out to your teacher if your child is experiencing signs of emotional distress and/or loss of motivation.
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