Grading and feedback continues during school closure

To grade or not to grade during the school closure? That topic has recently surfaced in national media and is extremely complicated and professional opinions vary. As we developed our Distance Learning Plan three weeks ago, Brandon Valley Leadership answered the question and developed a Distance Learning Assessment Plan closely aligned to our current practice, which promotes student achievement and maintains high expectations.

Brandon Valley Elementary / Intermediate School

At the Elementary and Intermediate School levels, student work receives actionable individual feedback from the teachers. In addition, engagement for each student and assignment is monitored. The tracking of engagement will allow “academic life guards” to support student learning and engagement. Further, parents will receive engagement reports at the conclusion of the closure.

Brandon Valley Middle / High School

At the Middle and High School levels, student work is assessed and graded. Teachers have been directed to focus on quality not quantity when developing assignments within lessons. Graded assignments promote student achievement and maintain expectations for learning. The number of complicating factors are extreme, but a few that weighed heavily in our decision to grade included; Quarter 3 was graded, GPA configuration, scholarship eligibilities, some Brandon Valley Middle School students take high school credit courses, and future student NCAA eligibility.

As a school system, we are working to maintain high expectations, while understanding the stress that families are enduring. Our staff is here to help and will be flexible, patient, and understanding. The absolute most critical component as we work through the school closure – Do your best!

Stay Engaged – Be an Active Distance Learner!