Another change to the grading policy?

[Anonymous]

I’m hearing rumors that the second marking period will bring substantial and worrisome changes to the grading policy for secondary schools. Normally, I ignore rumors until I see the memo, but several reputable sources at school and county levels independently tell me and other teachers the same things:
Starting 11/9, the maximum number of assignments will be 12 for the entire marking period.
No more than 8 assignments can be in the 90% category.
All assignments in the 90% category can be redone multiple times.
This change is in response to parent complaints about student stress.

I’m very sensitive to student stress, but if this is true, I think it is alarming.

If you as a parent have complained about student stress, is this what you wanted?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I’m hearing rumors that the second marking period will bring substantial and worrisome changes to the grading policy for secondary schools. Normally, I ignore rumors until I see the memo, but several reputable sources at school and county levels independently tell me and other teachers the same things:
Starting 11/9, the maximum number of assignments will be 12 for the entire marking period.
No more than 8 assignments can be in the 90% category.
All assignments in the 90% category can be redone multiple times.
This change is in response to parent complaints about student stress.

I’m very sensitive to student stress, but if this is true, I think it is alarming.

If you as a parent have complained about student stress, is this what you wanted?

Thanks for the info. Do you know what the requirements were for marking period 1, in terms of number of assignments for the entire marking period and for the 90% category? Basically, I am asking what is the change with this new policy compar3d to the current marking period 1 policy.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’m hearing rumors that the second marking period will bring substantial and worrisome changes to the grading policy for secondary schools. Normally, I ignore rumors until I see the memo, but several reputable sources at school and county levels independently tell me and other teachers the same things:
Starting 11/9, the maximum number of assignments will be 12 for the entire marking period.
No more than 8 assignments can be in the 90% category.
All assignments in the 90% category can be redone multiple times.
This change is in response to parent complaints about student stress.

I’m very sensitive to student stress, but if this is true, I think it is alarming.

If you as a parent have complained about student stress, is this what you wanted?

Thanks for the info. Do you know what the requirements were for marking period 1, in terms of number of assignments for the entire marking period and for the 90% category? Basically, I am asking what is the change with this new policy compar3d to the current marking period 1 policy.

For marking period 1, the guidelines stated in a memo from central office are:
Two grades a week.
At least 9 assignments in the 90% category.
No more than 7 assignments in the 10% category.
Students should be offered retakes for multiple assignments and retaking an assignment more than once is allowed, but not required.

[Anonymous]

Great, more dumbing down and regression to the mean. These kids are bing set-up for failure. My DC had a staggering number of kids drop out of their AP classes the past few weeks, either because the kids couldn’t handle them or were too afraid of messing up their perfect GPAs.
MCPS isn’t helping kids by lowering the standards. So glad this is our last year in the system.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Great, more dumbing down and regression to the mean. These kids are bing set-up for failure. My DC had a staggering number of kids drop out of their AP classes the past few weeks, either because the kids couldn’t handle them or were too afraid of messing up their perfect GPAs.
MCPS isn’t helping kids by lowering the standards. So glad this is our last year in the system.

Usually I disagree with these posts, but I think this might be the turning point for MCPS. Even during the Zoom school days, two assignments a week was standard.

[Anonymous]

If true, this certainly is one way the board and superintendent can show how great they are at raising GPA's overnight?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I’m hearing rumors that the second marking period will bring substantial and worrisome changes to the grading policy for secondary schools. Normally, I ignore rumors until I see the memo, but several reputable sources at school and county levels independently tell me and other teachers the same things:
Starting 11/9, the maximum number of assignments will be 12 for the entire marking period.
No more than 8 assignments can be in the 90% category.
All assignments in the 90% category can be redone multiple times.
This change is in response to parent complaints about student stress.

I’m very sensitive to student stress, but if this is true, I think it is alarming.

If you as a parent have complained about student stress, is this what you wanted?

Sounds great! This will allow kids to learn even more.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Great, more dumbing down and regression to the mean. These kids are bing set-up for failure. My DC had a staggering number of kids drop out of their AP classes the past few weeks, either because the kids couldn’t handle them or were too afraid of messing up their perfect GPAs.
MCPS isn’t helping kids by lowering the standards. So glad this is our last year in the system.

Oh no when kids retake something, they may end up really learning, and that's the point. In the end MCPS students will be stronger than ever!

[Anonymous]

I’m a secondary teacher and haven’t been told about any of these changes. I’m new to MCPS and hate the grading system. I would prefer to flip the practice/prep and all tasks. I give weekly all tasks grades and daily practice prep grades so how would I fit into these new guidelines?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I’m a secondary teacher and haven’t been told about any of these changes. I’m new to MCPS and hate the grading system. I would prefer to flip the practice/prep and all tasks. I give weekly all tasks grades and daily practice prep grades so how would I fit into these new guidelines?

You won’t be able to keep the daily grades. You could keep all but one weekly grade. TBH, I can see how a daily grade might make some students feel overwhelmed.

[Anonymous]

I am a teacher and I haven't heard this. But I am not surprised. I'm going to try my best to make it through the school year, but this is absolutely my last year.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I’m hearing rumors that the second marking period will bring substantial and worrisome changes to the grading policy for secondary schools. Normally, I ignore rumors until I see the memo, but several reputable sources at school and county levels independently tell me and other teachers the same things:
Starting 11/9, the maximum number of assignments will be 12 for the entire marking period.
No more than 8 assignments can be in the 90% category.
All assignments in the 90% category can be redone multiple times.
This change is in response to parent complaints about student stress.

I’m very sensitive to student stress, but if this is true, I think it is alarming.

If you as a parent have complained about student stress, is this what you wanted?

Take a deep breath. This may never happen, and if it does, it doesn't sound that bad. You need to get a grip.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I am a teacher and I haven't heard this. But I am not surprised. I'm going to try my best to make it through the school year, but this is absolutely my last year.

It's probably just some troll trying to stir people up.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Great, more dumbing down and regression to the mean. These kids are bing set-up for failure. My DC had a staggering number of kids drop out of their AP classes the past few weeks, either because the kids couldn’t handle them or were too afraid of messing up their perfect GPAs.
MCPS isn’t helping kids by lowering the standards. So glad this is our last year in the system.

Oh no when kids retake something, they may end up really learning, and that's the point. In the end MCPS students will be stronger than ever!

Except for the ones who drop out of college and owe thousands because they aren't prepared to not be coddled anymore.

[Anonymous]

What are 90% grades and 10% grades?