Grading in District 401 Schools
The reporting of academic progress is governed by District 401's policy on grading and promotion, as stated in Section 6:280 of the Board of Education's Policy Manual.
According to this policy, every teacher shall maintain an evaluation record for each student in the teacher's classroom. A District administrator cannot change the final grade assigned by the teacher without notifying the teacher.
Reasons for changing a student's final grade include:
- A miscalculation of test scores
- A technical error in assigning a particular grade or score
- The teacher agreeing to allow the student to do extra work that may impact the grade
- An inappropriate grading system used to determine the grade
- An inappropriate grade based on an appropriate grading system
If a grade is changed, the administrator making the change must sign the changed record.
In accordance with District policy, each school has formulated a grading system. The grading systems for the District's elementary schools, middle school and high school are located below.
To indicate scholastic progress, District 401's two elementary schools, Elmwood and John Mills, now use standards-based grading for students in grades K-5. For information about how standards-based grading works, please visit our SBG overview page.
Checking Progress with PowerSchool
Grades and student progress on individual assignments are accessible for viewing by parents through PowerSchool.
Authorized parents and guardians can receive user names and passwords from the office that will enable them to view their child's information.
Issuance of Report Cards
Report cards are distributed three times a year, at the conclusion of each trimester. The final report card will be given out on the last day of school.
Elm Middle School uses standards-based grading for students in grade 6. For information about how standards-based grading works, please visit our SBG overview page.
To indicate the scholastic progress of 7th and 8th graders, Elm uses the scale and abbreviations listed below.
|
A |
90-100 | D | 60-69 | LT | Late Transfer | ||||
|
B |
80-89 |
F | 0-59 | I | Incomplete | ||||
|
C |
70-79 |
SE | Showing Effort (Working Toward Standards) |
Turning "Incomplete" into a Passing Grade
"Incomplete" is a temporary grade that a student may receive in one or more classes if required assignments are not turned in by the end of a quarter due to documented illness or other extreme circumstances beyond the student's control.
Arrangements will then need to be worked out with teachers, and work must be completed within a two-week period of time in order to receive a passing grade for any course marked as incomplete.
Checking Progress with PowerSchool
Students and parents are encouraged to check grades and assignments on PowerSchool regularly. All students and parents have logins to PowerSchool.
Printed progress reports can be made available if a parent does not have access to technology to check grades.
Issuance of Report Cards
Report cards are issued to students three times a year, at the end of each trimester.
To indicate scholastic progress, Elmwood Park High School uses the grades and percentage ranges listed below.
|
A |
90-100 percent |
Excellent |
WP |
Withdrawn — Pass |
|
|
B |
80-89.9 percent |
Good |
WF |
Withdrawn — Fail |
|
|
C |
70-79.9 percent |
Average |
P |
Pass |
|
|
D |
60-69.9 percent |
Poor |
T |
Audit |
|
|
F |
0-59.9 percent |
Failure |
I |
Incomplete |
Please note that incomplete grades must be made up by the end of the next grading period. Any incomplete grades not completed will become a grade of "F."
Grading Practices
Each department and/or grade-level team determines the specific criteria that constitutes an issued grade for the course.
1. Grades are determined by components of performance evaluated throughout the course, which may include but are not limited to:
- Tests/quizzes
- Projects/presentations
- Participation
- Homework
2. The grade in a quarter-long course is determined by the following:
- 80% of quarter term + 20% of exam term
(Seniors with a letter grade of "B" or above may be exempt from the quarter exam at the teacher's discretion.)
3. The grade in a semester-long course is determined by the following:
- 40% of first quarter Term + 10% of first exam term
- 40% of second quarter term + 10% of second exam term
(Seniors with a letter grade of "B" or above may be exempt from the quarter exams at the teacher's discretion.)
Incomplete Grades
In the event a student is unable to complete coursework due to special circumstances, a teacher or administrator may choose to issue a grade of "I" — an incomplete for a class.
If an incomplete is needed, the teacher will prepare the appropriate Incomplete Grade Agreement, which will be signed by the student and teacher.
This contract will include a specific plan to finish the course work and a timeline upon which this will be completed. The parent will be notified of the arrangement as well. A copy of the signed contract will be kept by the student, teacher and counselor.
It is the responsibility of the student to complete the expected work according to the agreed-upon timeline. If the contract is not completed, the grade of "I" may be converted to a grade of "F." In the absence of special circumstances, no grade of incomplete will be allowed to remain past the end of the following grade period.
Course Failures
Any student who fails a core class is strongly encouraged to attend summer school to earn credit and remain on track for graduation.
Grade Point Average
The grade point average for an EPHS student is computed by adding the grade points received in all subjects and dividing by the number of units attempted.
GPA is calculated at the end of each grading period. It is used to determine the honor roll for each grading period and the class rank.
Grade Weights
EPHS courses are divided into three types: Advanced Placement (AP), Honors and Regular.
Different weights are assigned to the grades given in each type of course. The table located below lists the different weights and the courses in which they apply.
|
ADVANCED PLACEMENT |
HONORS |
REGULAR |
|
A = 6 points |
A = 5 points |
A = 4 points |
|
► AP Calculus AB |
► Accounting* *Course qualifies as dual credit |
► All courses other |
Checking Progress with PowerSchool
Student progress may be viewed throughout the entire school year by logging into your PowerSchool account.
If you do not have your login information, please feel free to contact the Registrar's Office at 708-452-7272.
Issuance of Report Cards
Report cards are mailed at the end of the first semester and second semester.