Learning From Home: Grading and Reporting

As we approach the close of the school year, we want you to be aware about changes to the report card for the third trimester. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How will my child’s progress for the last trimester be reported?

During the third trimester, all teaching and learning occurred while Learning From Home. Grade level learning standards were essentialized, focusing on content and skills necessary to prepare for the subsequent grade level.  To communicate your child’s progress, teachers will be writing a narrative report. The report will communicate the progress your child has made in English Language Arts and Mathematics while Learning From Home.  Report cards will be e-mailed to parents by June 22.  

How will I know that my child is making progress toward grade level expectations?

Teachers continue to use multiple forms of assessment that enable them to monitor your child’s learning progress. Through the use of live virtual sessions, ongoing feedback through Google Classroom or SeeSaw, small group instruction and your child’s work product, teachers are able to assess students’ learning. 

How will my child be supported next year if there is a gap in his/her learning?

The district is developing a comprehensive plan for the opening of school in September. The plan will adapt existing structures to intervene and support students who require additional instruction to address learning gaps. During the summer, teachers will be engaged in targeted professional development to prepare for the challenges that lie ahead in the new school year. Whether school reopens conventionally, remotely, or in a hybrid model, teachers will be ready. With your partnership, we remain confident that high quality learning will continue in Harrison schools.

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) 

The FAQ explains how the district will ensure the integrity and fairness of our grading system under exceptional circumstances while students Learn From Home.  

How will the 4th quarter grades be calculated?

Multiple forms of assessment are utilized to grade student learning. Performance assessments (i.e. open-ended tasks, written, oral and multimedia projects, portfolios) are emphasized in lieu of traditional exams. Teachers continue to score assignments, provide feedback, and record grades in the Powerschool Portal. 

Will there be Regents Exams this year?

No. The New York State Education Department (NYSED) canceled all Regents Exams for 2020. Regents credit will be awarded to students who earn a passing grade in the course. 

Will there be final exams? 

No. There will not be any cumulative final exams in June. Final exams may be replaced with one or more alternative assessments assigned and graded as part of the 4th quarter. 

How will final grades be calculated?

Final grades for courses will be calculated as a numerical grade using established course grading policies with the following modification: 

•  For full-year courses, the percentage value of the Regents or final exam (e.g. 10% or 20%) will be redistributed equally to all four quarters.

• For semester-based courses, the percentage value of final exams will be redistributed equally to quarters 3 and 4.

What happens if a student is struggling to maintain his/her grades? What if a student doesn’t earn a passing grade for the course?

Teachers, guidance counselors, and administrators are carefully monitoring students’ academic progress to ensure successful completion of coursework while Learning From Home. The district implemented a Response to Intervention (RTI) process for remote learning, which includes structured supports for "at risk" students. In addition, the District will continue to offer all students a range of summer learning opportunities including credit recovery courses and targeted, short format programs to close learning gaps resulting from remote instruction.

Third Quarter Grades 

Grades for the 3rd quarter marking period will be calculated based upon the first 7 weeks of face-face classroom learning. Student grades may increase based upon their performance during the 3 weeks of remote learning, however, grades will not be lowered. In other words, there is a floor (but no ceiling) for grades during the transition to virtual learning (3/16 - 4/3)