2420: Grading and Progress Reports

Progress reporting in the Bellevue School District is designed to encourage maximal development of each student's potential. It encourages both teacher and parent to value the worth, uniqueness and complexity of the individual student. It provides for a flow of information not only from teacher to parent and student but for dialogue among teacher, parent and student. Progress reporting includes periodic single written codes, such as a letter grade, and also provides for a variety of means of regular communication among parent, student and teacher.

Course Grades

Grades will be determined for each content area or course. Grades will be determined by teachers and will reflect the student’s achievement of grade-level or course-level learning standards including intellectual, arts, physical, and social skills areas, as applicable. Attendance will be reported separately. The district will comply with the grading/reporting system incorporated into the statewide standardized high school transcript.

Parents or guardians will be provided with a written report of student progress at the end of each reporting period.

Parent Conferences

For elementary students, parents will have the opportunity to have parent-teacher conferences before the end of the first reporting period. For students not making adequate progress, parents will have the opportunity to have a second parent-teacher conference prior to the end of the second reporting period. For middle school students, parent-teacher conferences will take place before the end of the first semester. The date and format for parent-teacher conferences will be determined by each school. Middle-school conferences may be targeted to specific students or requested by parents. For high school students, parent-teacher conferences may be requested by parents.

Interim Progress Reports for Middle School and High School

An interim progress report is required during the interval between quarters if the student’s achievement in a subject is known to be unsatisfactory (D/F) during the second quarter of a semester and will be issued as early in the quarter as practicable to allow the student time to improve before the semester. The interim progress report will consist of a letter that is sent to parent(s) and/or guardian(s) for the specific purpose of describing unsatisfactory interim progress.

The district will provide ongoing electronic access to student performance to serve as a basis for monitoring of student performance and to provide information to improve student learning. These reports will provide information that will be helpful to the student, teacher, counselor and parent. Electronic reporting of student progress will be updated on a timely and regular basis. Updates will be posted as soon as possible, and in no event later than 15 school days after an assignment or test has been completed by students. The superintendent will establish procedures to implement this policy.

Cross References

• Board Policy 3122 Excused and Unexcused Absences
• Board Policy 3520 Student Fines, Fees and Charges

Legal References

• RCW 28A.150.240(2)(g) Basic Education Act — Certificated teaching & administrative staff as accountable for classroom teaching — Scope — Responsibilities — Penalty
• RCW 28A.600.030 Grading policies — Option to consider Attendance
• RCW 28A.635.060 Defacing or injuring school property — Liability of pupil, parent, or guardian Withholding grades, diploma, or transcripts — Suspension and restitution — Voluntary work program as alternative — Rights protected
• WAC 180-44-010 Responsibilities Related to instruction
• WAC 392-210 Student testing and evaluation — Washington State Honors Award Program
• WAC 392-400-235 Discipline — Conditions and limitations
• WAC 392-415 Secondary Education — Standardized High School Transcript