Grading changes promise more time for teaching and learning

Based on input from teachers, parents, and students, Dr. Steve Walts, superintendent of schools for Prince William County, is waiving sections of current grading regulations to focus more on quality instruction and evaluation than on the quantity of assessments. The change embraces calls to allow more time for teaching and learning.

Affected parts of the grading regulations for all levels (661-1, 661-2, and 661-3)  require 18 assessments per marking period. Cuts to that requirement are effective immediately and throughout the 2016-17 school year.

Now teachers will create and communicate no fewer than nine quality assessments—more, when needed—in order to give students and parents accurate and useful feedback on progress toward student mastery of established learning standards.

Teachers are encouraged to evenly distribute the assessments across each grading period and will continue to offer opportunities for student “retakes.”

The new approach relies on teacher expertise and professionalism in developing and using meaningful assessments to allow for the increased focus on teaching and learning. The waiver maintains compliance with grading Policy 661 for the current school year, while fully revised grading regulations are being developed.

The Superintendent makes it clear, he heard you! Dr. Walts is confident that the new approach will provide extra time for instruction, while giving parents and students improved understanding of how student learning measures up to expected mastery of our learning standards.