Colleagues,
I strongly believe that our school-level educators and central office staff know what is best for the students. However, recent issues surrounding grade changing is forcing us to take a more generalized approach to grading so we can protect the integrity of our grading practices District-wide
. Effective immediately, we are instituting a moratorium on the use of grade floors.
As you are aware, our investigation into grading discrepancies is ongoing. The last few weeks have been very challenging for our District, but I want to assure you that we are continuing to treat these matters with the utmost attention, care and seriousness. Investigators have informed me that improper grade changes were identified at Hamilton High School, which led to appropriate disciplinary action against the principal who will be replaced by an interim leader for the remainder of the year.
The topic of grade floors has generated a lot of conversation and led to many concerns. Grade floors were meant to ensure failing grades did not go below a certain level, so our students would have a better chance of improvement. It was never intended to allow the changing of grades from failing to passing, and anyone found guilty of doing so will face immediate disciplinary action. Until we can determine how grade floors are being utilized from school to school, it’s in the best interest of our students to discontinue the use of this practice
.
Furthermore, I will be proposing new grading policy revisions based on educator feedback in January to ensure proper and consistent use of grade floors.
If anyone changes grades, encourages you to change grades or continues the use of grade floors, please report them using the anonymous
online form
or hotline at 1-844-910-0088 (Spanish: 1-800-216-1288).
Please understand that every one of our employees will continue to be held to the absolute strictest standards with regard to student records as this investigation continues. When individual actions conflict with our values, it is our responsibility to take corrective action.
I will keep you informed of any new developments as we continue this investigation.
-DH
