We believe in creating a challenging learning environment in which alI students are mentally active and engaged in high-level learning. To be successful students are encouraged to take risks and experiment with ideas. Students should know that individual work and individual responsibility for learning are essential for success.

    Grades should serve as a fair and accurate means to report to parents and others achievement and progress in school, provide incentives to learn, and provide information that students can use for self-evaluation, in a manner consistent with instructional delivery model and curriculum content.

    It is the philosophy of our district that grades should be based on a standard scale for all students, while largely quantifiable, will also reflect the professional judgment and experience of the teacher assigning the grade. It is believed that parents and students should know the standards of the evaluation used including the criteria for evaluation and the expectation of the teacher.

    The grading system is designed initially beginning with the use of progress checklists and positive work statements to reflect the achievement of the students in the early grades with transition to the use of numeric grades in the upper elementary and secondary. The grading system and the consequent standards shall serve as one means to determine promotion and retention. Several purposes are served with the above system to include college placement, class rank, records for transcripts, eligibility standards for extra curricular and athletic activities, and a common means to assess curriculum.