WCPSS Grading Norms, 2021-2021 

Sycamore Creek Elementary

Purpose

The purpose of this document is to provide families with a brief overview of grading and reporting norms.
Specific information will be shared from individual teachers and grade levels as it will depend heavily on
the student’s grade level.

Board Policy 3400

Board Policy 3400, Evaluation of Student Progress, and the related Policy 3400 R&P are the core basis of
any grading in schools for 2020-2021. In reviewing these policies, here are a few important notes.

• Grades must appropriately and consistently measure and communicate an individual student’s
  level of mastery of defined learning standards/objectives.
• Grades shall not be punitive. This includes lowering a grade due to a lack of access to technology
  or failure to log into a live instruction meeting.
• Grading Plans should align with Board Policy 3400
• Teachers will communicate grading expectations to students and parents.
• Regular feedback will be provided on student work to promote learning, self-evaluation, and
  growth. Feedback will be dependent on student grade-level and needs.

Grading Norms, K-5

Below are the basic grading norms for elementary students.

• Elementary schools will operate using the standards-based grading system (Levels 1-4) for all
  elementary courses. The 100 point scale will be used for middle school courses taken in
  elementary school.
• Due to the structure of the online environment, students will be engaged in independent activities,
  which may be graded after adequate instruction and feedback have been provided.
• Missing assignments and participation are communicated through the work habits grade on the
  report card.

The Extended Content Standards are substantially modified standards aligned to the NC Standard Course of
Study. Students accessing those Extended Content Standards are graded on his or her achievement in the
Extended Content Standards curriculum and this would be reflected in the ECS report card.

Interim Reports and Report Cards

In alignment with board policy, all students in grades K-5 are issued report cards each quarter. Interim
reports will be issued to students either by written or electronic means by the midpoint of each grading
period.

Interim Report Card Dates for 2020-2021, Year Round Calendar

Quarter 1

• Interims: Week of September 15
• Report Card: October 23
• Quarter Ends: September 30

Quarter 2

• Interims: Week of November 16
• Report Card: January 29
• Quarter Ends: December 22

Quarter 3

• Interims: Week of February 22
• Report Card: April 30
• Quarter Ends: March 30

Quarter 4

• Interims: Week of May 24
• Report Card: June 29
• Quarter Ends: June 29

Report cards will be issued in the following manner:

• Sycamore Creek Elementary students will receive report cards electronically via individual email in
  elementary and via PowerSchool in secondary. In this model, families can request a printed copy
  of the report card that will be mailed to them.

Promotion and Retention

Promotion and retention practices in 2020-2021 will align with Board Policy 3420, Student Promotion, andAccountability. Promotion and retention concerns will be addressed with families beginning in February 2021.

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