Grading system changed for spring

Just as teaching and learning were altered this spring, so were the grading processes at the Cedar Grove-Belgium School District.

While the district’s execution in switching to online classes was lauded for its smoothness and efforts by staff to meet students’ needs, it brought challenges in assessing students’ progress.

The district’s three principals told the School Board of its plans last month.

At the high school, where grade-point averages determine class ranking and are factors in scholarships, more weight was given to the third quarter, which was only shortened by a few days when Gov. Tony Evers closed schools through June 30 due to the coronavirus.

The third quarter counts for 67% of students’ semester grade, while the fourth quarter counts for 33%.

Parents were given the option to request a pass or incomplete grade by June 30. Classes with that distinction would not count toward a student’s GPA.

Final exams were not administered.

The altered grading system, Ketterhagen said in a report to the board, accounts for “the difference in learning and expectations that ultimately took place after students were unable to access the ‘normal learning environment.’”

Given the switch to virtual learning, Ketterhagen said, the new assessment offers a “better representation of a final semester grade.”

Ketterhagen acknowledged in the report that, “There is no perfect solution to the grading dilemma in this time of virtual learning.”

The adjusted grades did not affect class of 2020 rankings since those are determined by the first seven semesters of high school.

At the middle school, where GPAs aren’t as impactful, grades were changed to pass or incomplete.

“We can’t control the situations going on at home and can’t replicate at home what’s going on in school,” Principal Kelly Dzurick said.

For students who receive an incomplete, staff members will try to get them caught up in August. Summer school, originally scheduled to be held in June and July, was canceled due to the virus.

At the elementary school, which has three trimesters, Principal Jeff Kondrakiewicz said the four grading categories would be kept for the third trimester. They are beginning, developing, approaching and secure.

“Teachers aren’t necessarily comfortable giving a substantial grade mark on a standard that has been reached at home,” he said, adding they can categorize work into one of the four levels.