Dear Middle School Families,
We are writing today to share with you our decision regarding grading for the second semester. After careful consideration of all the factors involved in this very unusual situation, we have decided to use a Pass/Incomplete grading system for the spring term. This decision was reached with input from the Middle School faculty, the director of Learning Support, the school counselor and members of the administrative team.
Why did we decide to use a Pass/Incomplete system?
There were a number of factors that went into the decision. In the context of the global pandemic, we know that the daily lives of our students, families, and teachers have been significantly disrupted and that the stress related to these disruptions could understandably have a negative impact on student academic performance. We have learned quickly that distance learning poses challenges for everyone involved. Additionally, we are conscious of issues related to access and equity—that family circumstances differ greatly and affect each student's ability to achieve and be successful. Finally, grading in distance learning is necessarily different from on-campus grading, so a 'B' now would not necessarily be the same as a 'B' in the first part of the trimester. All of these factors contribute to our belief that we could not assess every child's achievements accurately and equitably using our traditional letter-based system under these circumstances. To accommodate this unusual situation, we have made the decision that students will be graded on a Pass/Incomplete basis. This grading model will best enable students and faculty to focus on ongoing learning, and reduce anxiety for many, while recognizing the many challenges and inequities students and faculty are facing during this unusual period.
How will students be evaluated during this time?
As always, teachers will continue to support each student's development. As you know, students are engaging in class conversation and submitting work, and teachers are providing feedback that will continue to motivate students to learn and grow. Our understanding of how to best teach in these new circumstances continues to evolve, along with the ways that we are measuring each student's engagement and progress. Our commitment to academic excellence and student growth is unchanged; we will continue to engage students in authentic learning experiences that will engage them and prepare them for next year.
What if a student is truly struggling during remote learning?
If a student is struggling, the teacher, advisor, Head of Middle School and School Counselor will provide support as needed. A grade of Incomplete would be assigned only if a student has completely disengaged from learning and not made an effort despite all of the support provided.
In what ways will the work the students completed during the first part of the Spring Term be acknowledged?
At the end of the year, teachers will write comments to report on the quality of work completed during the entire term. Teachers will have the opportunity to acknowledge exemplary work during the first portion of the semester (including mention of the interim grade) and/or during remote learning.
What will transcripts look like and how will this impact secondary school placement?
Transcripts will show the letter grade for the Fall Term and the Pass/Incomplete grade for the Spring Term. There will not be a final grade for each course on the transcript.
Secondary school placement for 2020-2021 school year is complete, and secondary schools have made it clear that applicants for the following year will not be disadvantaged by "Pass" grades for this spring term. Many schools, including secondary schools, have moved to pass/fail grades as well. Like us, these schools recognize that the criteria by which students are assessed will be different in distance learning.
We want to acknowledge that it would be impossible to make a decision that everyone fully agrees with, but we feel confident that this grading policy reflects Foote's values and supports our students and families given the unprecedented challenges facing our community.
Please feel free to contact one or both of us with any questions or concerns you may have. Until we talk again, we hope you all are staying safe and healthy at home.
Sincerely,
Carol Maoz
Head of School
John Turner
Head of Middle School