Grading in District 401 Schools

To indicate scholastic progress, District 401's two elementary schools, Elmwood and John Mills, now use standards-based grading. This system took effect in 2020-21 for all students in grades K-5.

For information about how standards-based grading works, and for examples of standards-based report cards. please click here.

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.

To indicate scholastic progress, Elm Middle School uses the numerical scale and abbreviations listed below.

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.

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.)

NOTE: District 401 is currently evaluating its universal grading practices based on best-practice research on standards-aligned instruction. For the 2019-20 school year, some EPHS staff will participate in grading pilots focused on best-practice research from the following sources:

► Competency-based education
► Standards-referenced grading from the Marzano Research Group
► "A Repair Kit for Grading: 15 Fixes for Broken Grades" by Ken O'Connor

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.

EPHS Summer Academy is a teacher-supported online learning environment that allows students to work at their own pace to recover credit. More information can be found online or by contacting the counselors.

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.

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.