By Aubree Gearhart
Clark County School District will be following a new grade reform this school year, which has resulted in several different opinions from students, parents, and staff. The school district will now be following a system that promotes equitable grading. At Coronado the minimum grade students are able to receive is 50 percent, late policies will now be eliminated, summative assignments such as tests and quizzes will count as 75 percent of students’ grades, and students will now be able to retake all tests.
“Although I understand the reasons behind the grade reform, I feel that it devalues our transcripts and diplomas,” Junior Katie Lambert said. “While being able to retake quizzes and get a minimum of 50 percent on missing assignments seems beneficial in theory, it makes it easier for students to get good grades, therefore making the hard work of dedicated students less significant. I worry that colleges might favor students who got good grades without the grade reform over those who got good grades with it.”
Similar to other students throughout Coronado, Katie is frustrated by the new grade reform and worries about what it could mean for the future. This new grade reform does not only upset students but teachers as well. Of course, teachers have a different perspective of the grade reform.
“I think that the new CCSD grade reform policy will overall be a benefit to students and families in the district,” English teacher Mr. Watkins said. “Overall, I think that it makes a system that better reflects the things that students have learned rather than being heavily affected by non-educational factors. I think the minimum-F system is a much more balanced and rational way to approach grade distributions. I also think that codifying a system for students to show mastery over subjects over the course of a quarter rather than being tied to daily due dates. However, I do think that the weighting of grades that puts so much emphasis on summative assignments is something that is harmful to many people who feel anxiety around high-stakes testing.”
While teachers and students seem to have different views on the new grade reform that was put in place due to COVID-19, parents within the community have something to say as well.
“I feel it lowers the bar when we should be raising the bar to encourage our children to stay engaged in their studies,” Coronado parent Lisa Walbridge said. “There also needs to be some flexibility due to COVID, and if children need to quarantine for ten days straight and can’t be in class there is no right way to cater for the continued unknown.”
Overall, the new CCSD grade reform is a hot topic throughout Clark County schools at the moment, with everyone having various opinions. Clark County citizens are both infuriated and intrigued by the grade reform that has been put in place.
