Adjusting Grades after STAR Results

Contents

    Star & Final Grade Adjustment

    Simple Logistics, not a Nightmare: One Proposal

Of all of the struggles facing schools and teachers, having API scores based on tests that don't matter to many students is frustrating. Accountability must include students.

 

The real block inhibiting incorporating STAR results is the unusually long time between testing and getting individual results: results aren't available until the middle of August generally. Still, teachers, only teachers, have the right to change a student's grades. This allows the following policy and procedures to be suggested to teachers.

 

As an experiment, grades 8-11 math teachers should be encouraged to adjust Spring Semester final grades plus/minus one grade level before the start of the Autumn semester using the table below. However, no undue pressure should be applied, this must be a voluntary activity. Note: a student who passes with a D cannot be failed under this schedule, but a failed student can raise his or her grade to a D if a "C" level of performance is obtained. F's should not change to D's without consideration or due to just entering a slightly higher level.

 

The district will supply a document with the original grades and STAR Results accompanied by a document to record final grades. If the teacher chooses to change grades, two hours of duty time before the start of classes should be reserved for this activity.

 

One added benefit of this policy is that it checks grade inflation. An A is really an A. Colleges will accept grade point averages more readily. Furthermore, why some parents will complain when a child's grade is lowered; others will happily accept a higher grade and acknowledge that this system offers a more fair and objective grading system. This system isn't just a test motivator, but also a way to improve grade-reliability. This is important and worth the fight.

                          Grade Adjustment Table

Step 1

District prints two copies of the grade sheets.  One is sent to the teacher in June, the other will be sent to the teacher's school for distribution during duty days before the next school year starts.

 

Step 2a

 

The district sends spreadsheets with the students STAR results and original grades, if convenient, to each teacher's school before the next school year starts.  Teacher compares results and assigns a new grade, if appropriate, on new grade sheets.

 

Step 2b

 

If district can only provide STAR scores, then teachers need to make a photocopy of Original Grade sheets, for their records, then use the photocopies and STAR scores to adjust Final Grades, or the district could simply return the originals.

 

Step 4

 

District records new grades and posts them on the web when this service becomes available.