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CURRICULUM & INSTRUCTION
Grading Procedures Manual for Middle and High Schools

Introduction

In 1999-2000 the Executive Director of Middle School Instructional Services and the Executive Director of High School Instructional Services formed and charged a representative committee of students, parents, teachers, and administrators to revise Guidelines and Procedures for Grading and Reporting which had been implemented in 1996-97.


Changes in law, policy, and practice prompted this revision:

  1. The State Board of Education implemented the South Carolina Uniform Grading Policy.
  2. State promotion and diploma requirements have changed.
  3. Richland One Board policies addressing related issues including eligibility requirements for extra curricular activities have been revised.
  4. The 4X4 block schedule used by the high schools necessitated changes in substance and terminology.

The charges from the Executive Directors that produced the Grading Procedures Manual of 1996-97 apply to the current document:

  1. The need for consistent grading and reporting practices throughout the middle and high schools,
  2. the advancement of student success and achievement without lowering academic standards, and
  3. the application of practices drawn from current research.

Purpose
The purpose of this manual is to outline the procedures, practices and information that teachers, guidance counselors, and administrators need to guide them in the many decisions surrounding grading.

The contents are based on state and district policy, the Constitution of the High School League and the recommendations of the grading committee.

Future district or state mandates will supercede the contents of this manual.



Philosophy

Beliefs to meet the Mission of the District
The grading system should

  • promote learning and encourage student success,
  • be an accurate, fair representation of demonstrated mastery and level of achievement,
  • give students an opportunity to increase mastery and to improve grades,
  • reflect academic and non-academic areas separately,
  • be easily understood by all communities,
  • comply with Richland One Board policies, and
  • comply with the South Carolina Uniform Grading Policy.