Dear District 86 Community,
It is my sincere hope and strong belief that the extension of the stay at home order and shift to a long-term Remote Learning Day (RLD) plan will enable us to settle into a more consistent routine over the next few weeks. With that said, I know some people still have questions about online instruction, including how assignments will be scored and the impact they will have on grades.
- The Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) has stated that the lowest grade a student can receive for second semester is what was listed in the Home Access Center (HAC) on Friday, March 13. However, ISBE has also said that districts can offer students the opportunity to raise their grades, or issue them an Incomplete if they have not done enough during the remote learning period to reflect an understanding of the key concepts from a course.
- Formative assignments that are weighted as “0” in HAC cannot improve a student’s final grade. However, they are still being graded to help us measure and assess progress. They play an important role in the success a student has on the summative assignments described below. They may also contribute to a student receiving an Incomplete if they are not turned in.
- Summative assignments can help improve a student’s final grade. Teachers will record the scores from these assignments in HAC regardless of whether those scores increase or decrease the grade that was in the system on March 13. Similar to the formative assignments, the primary purpose of these scores is to help us monitor and measure a student’s progress and identify areas where additional assistance or support may be needed. At the end of the marking period, if the scores on these assignments improve the grade a student had on March 13, then the higher grade is what the student will receive. However, if the scores lower the grade or leave it unchanged from March 13, the teacher will go into HAC and revert the grade back to what it was prior to the closure. The exception to this will be in situations where the assignments are not completed. In those cases, a student’s grade may be changed to an Incomplete.
- Any work that is not completed in conjunction with the RLD plan will be marked in HAC as “NS” (No Submission).
- Students who are issued a semester grade of Incomplete in a course will receive an individualized remediation plan to address the gaps in content knowledge that must be filled before they can successfully access the next course.
As a lifelong educator and parent, I understand and appreciate the interest in and concern about grades, especially for those students who are getting ready for life after high school. Yet, a mark on a report card must not be the sole motivation or driving force for the work our students do in the days and weeks ahead. Yes, grades are important. However, it is the lessons you learn and knowledge you obtain during this time that will prepare you for the future, whether that means the remainder of your time in our schools or your college and career endeavors. That is why it is critical that our students do the following while our schools are closed:
- Remain actively engaged in your learning, which includes checking in for all of your classes on time on a daily basis.
- Complete all of your assignments, and do so to the very best of your ability. Every assignment, regardless of type (formative versus summative) or impact on your final grade, is vital to your success.
- Take advantage of the time you have on Mondays to finish and submit any work you did not do.
- Remain in contact with your teachers, counselors, social workers, etc. if you have questions, require assistance or need support.
- Check HAC on a regular basis to monitor your progress and make sure your work is done.
That is why it is also important for parents/guardians to do the following to help our students complete their tasks and achieve their goals during this challenging time:
- Check HAC to monitor your student’s work completion and attendance.
- Encourage your student to complete their assigned work.
- Communicate any concerns you have with your student’s teachers and/or related service or support staff (counselor, dean, case manager).
As a couple of the bullet points above state, please direct any questions you have about our RLD plan (e.g., courses, assignments, etc.) to our teachers. If they cannot assist you, they will direct you to the people who can.
In closing, I want to take a moment to express my gratitude to the people who are working in the industries or professions that have been designated as essential for helping us navigate this crisis. At the top of that list are the health care providers and first responders who are risking their lives for the well-being of others. However, it is critically important that we also recognize the individuals from the grocery stores, gas stations, restaurants, trucking and delivery companies, factories, utilities and waste management facilities who are making sure we continue to have access to the resources, services and supplies we need during this difficult time. While many of us may be feeling a little restless or stir crazy these days, especially with the warmer weather we have had this week, let’s remember those who must leave their homes on a daily basis to ensure that we can remain safely in ours.
Stay safe and be well.
Tammy Prentiss
Superintendent
