The new way to grade students in Schenectady

SCHENECTADY, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- On October 4th, the Schenectady City School District approved a new grading policy that went into effect districtwide. Tuesday night was the first of three parent meetings where the district explained the new policy to parents. It’s called the Grading for Equity policy. 

“We're grading children on their knowledge content. What is it that they're learning? What is the academics, right? Math, Reading, Science, Social Studies, whatever those are. So, grading of their knowledge, not their behavior,” said parent and Schenectady City School District Board Member, Jamaica Miles.

As far as the report cards go this year, they will look the same. But next year change is coming and the parents who showed up at Keane Elementary School Tuesday night, support it.

“From what I have seen it's very positive. It looks like it's going to have a good, better impact on the future students,” said one district parent.

The new policy reflects the direction that the district is trying to go by providing more information about a student's grade based on their behavior. The school district wants to come up with a cumulative assessment that is common across the entire district.

The Superintendent for the Schenectady City School District, Dr. Carlos Cotto, says, “The Grading for Equity policy is about creating a more just and transparent system that reflects each student’s true abilities and growth.”

One example given tonight was students who were once penalized for turning papers in late and subsequently getting more points deducted as time goes by. Under the new policy they will no longer have to face such drastic reductions in grades. Now students will be assessed on their behavior and why the grade was given, and why the student may or may not have performed to the best of their ability.

The district is to provide accurate and understandable information to families, students, and teachers to determine what interventions are necessary. The new policy is also designed to provide a balanced grading approach, and students will receive consistent feedback before being formally assessed.

The new assessment policy is in development and on November 5th, teachers and administrators are expected to come together and formulate what the district is calling a Summative Assessment Plan, to be able to better assist in the learning process.