Fresno Unified
Board Policy
BP 5121
Students
Examination And Grading
The Board of Education strongly believes in regular and informative
communication between school and home to advise parents/guardians
of the effort and progress in learning made by the students in
attendance. The Superintendent or designee shall establish regulations
which shall set forth a logical and comprehensive system of evaluating
student effort and progress in all schools in the district, and
to inform all staff members of the guidelines to be used in making
the necessary judgments regarding student performance in the courses
pursued.
The Governing Board expects teachers to be keenly aware of the
responsibility of maintaining high scholastic standards through
continuous monitoring of student performance and adjustment of
teaching strategies. Grades shall be used as an appraisal instrument
of the student's progress, arrived at by a consistent, orderly
method with as much objectivity as is humanly possible, rather
than by subjective standards.
In accordance with the law, a record of all grades or demonstrated
proficiencies shall be kept. The official grade shall be that
which is recorded in the teacher's official record, and these
grades or demonstrated proficiencies, shall be based upon the
teacher's appraisal of the students' performance as governed by
established grading procedures.
When grades are given for any course of instruction taught in
a school district, the grade given to each student shall be the
grade determined by the teacher of the course and the determination
of the student's grade by the teacher, in the absence of clerical
or mechanical mistake, fraud, bad faith, or incompetency, shall
be final.
The Board of the school district and the Superintendent of such
district shall not order a student's grade to be changed unless
the teacher who determined such grade is, to the extent practicable,
given an opportunity to state orally, in writing, or both, the
reasons for which such grade was given and is, to the extent practicable,
included in all discussions relating to the changing of such grade.
No grade of a student participating in a physical education class,
however, may be adversely affected due to the fact that the student
does not wear standardized physical education apparel where the
failure to wear such apparel arises from circumstances beyond
the control of the student.
A student's grade, as determined by the teacher shall not be changed
in the absence of a determination that the grade given was the
result of clerical or mechanical mistake, fraud, bad faith, or
incompetency. The determination shall be made by the principal
unless the matter is appealed to the Superintendent who, in such
event, shall make the determination, and the following procedures
shall be followed:
1. The principal shall confer with the teacher who issued the
grade in an effort to reach concurrence on any contemplated change.
2. The teacher shall have the right to a joint conference with
the principal and another person selected by the teacher.
3. The teacher shall have the further right of an appeal to the
Superintendent.
Failing grades for high school students for excessive absence
will be given in accordance with BP 5113 (High School Attendance
Policy). Such grades or demonstrated proficiencies shall be designated
accordingly in the students' records. (Education Code 49067)
Special needs students shall be graded in terms of effort and/or
academic achievement. Grades will be determined in relation to
the content and materials presented. Special Education students
can receive the full range of marks when the report card reflects
enrollment in a Resource Specialist Program or in a Special Day
Class.
Legal Reference:
EDUCATION CODE
44662 Evaluation and assessment guidelines
48070 Promotion and retention
49066 Grades; finalization; physical education class
49067 Regulations regarding student's achievement
Policy FRESNO UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
adopted: December 9, 1993 Fresno, California
Revised: April 14, 1994
Fresno Unified
Administrative Regulation
AR 5121
Students
Examination And Grading
Elementary Progress
The building principal is responsible for ensuring that the grading
procedure in his/her school is in accordance with the district's
established policies and regulations.
The school grading procedure must include the following:
1. Effort and progress marks will be recorded in the first grade
level. Effort and achievement marks will be recorded in levels
two through six. Second grade students will be given only effort
marks for the first two report periods.
2. Work habits and social skills effort marks will be recorded
in levels one through six.
3. As a general practice, students working below the standards
of expected student achievement for their grade level may not
receive a mark higher than a "C." Exceptions to this
rule require administrative approval and direct parent/guardian
communication.
4. Whenever it becomes evident to a teacher that a student is
in danger of failing a course, the teacher shall arrange a conference
with the student's parent/guardian or send the parent/guardian
a written report.
Marks shall be issued for the following subjects four times a
year as follows:
Subject Grade Level Marks Given
LANGUAGE ARTS
a. Reading 1 Effort and Progress all report
periods.
2 Effort only for the first two
report periods. Achievement
and Effort the last two re
port periods.
36 Achievement and Effort all
report periods.
a. Reading 1 Effort and Progress all report
periods.
b. Oral Language 1 Effort and Progress all report
periods.
2 Effort only for the first two
report periods.
Achievement and Effort the last
two report periods.
36 Achievement and Effort all re
port periods.
c. Written Language 1 Effort and Progress all report
periods.
2 Effort only for the first two
report periods. Achievement
and Effort the last two report
periods.
36 Achievement and Effort all
report periods.
d. Spelling 1 Assessed with a progress mark
under Written Language.
2 Effort only for the first two
report periods. Achievement
and Effort the last two report
periods.
36 Achievement and Effort all
report periods.
e. Handwriting 1 Effort only (Assessed under
Work Habits Handwriting/
neatness).
2 Effort only (Assessed under
Work Habits Handwriting/
neatness).
36 Effort only (Assessed under
Work Habits Handwriting/
neatness).
MATHEMATICS 1 Effort and Progress all report
periods.
2 Effort only for the first two
report periods. Achievement
and Effort the last two report
periods.
36 Achievement and Effort all
report periods.
SCIENCE 1 Effort only during the report
periods in which instruction
occurs.
2 Effort only for the first two
report periods. Achievement
and Effort the last two report
periods (during which instruc
tion occurs).
36 Achievement and Effort all
report periods.
HEALTH 1 Effort only during the report
periods in which instruction
occurs.
2 Effort only during the report
periods in which instruction
occurs.
36 Effort only during the report
periods in which instruction
occurs.
SOCIAL STUDIES 1 Effort only.
(Multicultural) 2 Effort only for the first two re
port periods. Achievement and
Effort the last two report
periods.
36 Achievement and Effort all
report periods.
ART 16 Effort only.
MUSIC 16 Effort only.
PHYSICAL
EDUCATION 16 Effort only.
Achievement Grades
The quality of accomplishment compared to the district standard
of expected student achievement for his/her grade level.
Authorized Grade Meaning of the Student Grade
A This grade indicates superior achievement. It is the grade
most often earned by a student consistently performing at an outstanding
level.
B This grade indicates betterthanaverage achievement.
A student with persistent effort and/or special motivation may
earn this grade.
C This grade indicates average achievement. A student of aboveaverage
ability can meet this standard quite easily. It is the grade
typically earned by a student of average ability who consistently
makes a good effort. For a student of belowaverage ability,
this grade indicates he/she is doing very well.
D This grade indicates that the student is meeting only minimum
standards.
F This grade indicates a failure to meet minimum standards.
G This mark means good effort and is reserved for those who
display effort that exceeds the basic requirements needed for
achievement.
Effort Grade Meaning of the Student Grade
S This mark is reserved for students who demonstrate satisfactory
effort but do little that is above and beyond the basic requirements.
N This mark is reserved for students who need to improve and
lack consistency in demonstrating acceptable effort towards achievement.
BehaviorConduct (Citizenship)
The behaviorconduct (citizenship) grading should be based
on the following criteria to help make reasonable, fair, and consistent
evaluations and to provide counsel and guidance for students:
Authorized Grade Meaning of the Student Grade
G This mark means good conduct and is reserved for students who
display behavior that exceeds the basic standards set by the teacher.
S This mark is for the student who demonstrates satisfactory
conduct but does nothing to distinguish himself/herself from the
ordinary students.
N This mark is for the student who needs to improve in paying
attention, relying on self, showing selfcontrol, obeying
carefully, or being punctual and regular in attendance. This
mark is for the student who seriously interferes with classroom
instruction; is rude to teacher, classmates; refuses to work;
shows lack of respect for teacher.
Progress (First Grade)
Authorized Grade Meaning of the Student Grade
1 This mark is for the student who is at the beginning level
of acquiring a skill in the subject area.
2 This mark is for the student who occasionally demonstrates
the ability to perform a skill successfully in a subject area.
3 This mark is for the student who regularly demonstrates the
ability to perform a skill successfully in a subject area.
X This mark indicates that the subject area or skill was not
assessed this reporting period.
Grading for Special Needs Students
When performance level can be noted, these students should be
graded in terms of effort and/or academic achievement. To indicate
the performance level of the child "Accomplishment"
will be used rather than "Achievement" as on the general
education report card. Accomplishment is defined as "Quality
of classroom work based on degree of success with grade level
materials assigned by the teacher." Special Education students
can receive the full range of marks when the Special Education
Report card is used.
In addition, the Special Education Teacher will indicate the Functional
Grade Level of the child for each subject where an "Accomplishment"
grade is given. Functional Grade Level will be determined by
the age designation for the State textbooks and district materials
used by the student. The State Framework may also serve as a
guide for determining "Functional Grade Level." This
indicator will serve as qualifier for "Accomplishment"
grades which might otherwise be higher than expected for students
working below grade level.
Special Needs Students in the Resource Specialist Program
When an IEP Team determines that the Resource Specialist shall
assume primary responsibility for a subject area, that instructor
shall determine the report card grade for that subject under the
following guidelines:
1. The instructor will indicate the "functional" grade level for each subject where an achievement grade is given. The "functional" grade level will be determined by the instructional materials used with that student.
2. A full range of marks/grades may be used with the use of the
RSP Insert and the notation "RSP" in place of the general
elementary report card mark.
3. These marks/grades have equal standing with general elementary
report card marks when students are considered for achievement
awards.
Students in Special Day Class
For special classes alternative but parallel report cards will
be used for grades one and two and grades three through six with
the following guidelines:
1. At the first and third report periods, the teacher will indicate
functional grade level for reading, oral language, written language,
spelling, and mathematics. The functional grade level will be
determined by the instructional materials used or by comparison
of performance to establish developmental norms. Functional grade
level will serve as a qualifier for "Accomplishment"
grades which might otherwise be higher than expected for students
working below grade level.
2. To indicate the performance level of the student, "Accomplishment"
will be used rather than "Achievement" as on the general
elementary report card. Accomplishment is defined as "Quality
of classroom work based on degree of success with grade level
materials assigned by the teacher related to the student's needs."
3. A full range of marks/grades will be used on the alternative
(special day class) report card.
4. Their marks/grades have equal standing with general elementary
grades when students are considered for achievement awards, i.e.,
merit lists, honor roll, etc.
5. Students in grades one and two will be given effort and progress
marks for all report periods, except Science, Health, Social Studies,
Art, Music, and PE which will be given effort marks only in parallel
with general elementary guidelines.
6. Students in grades three through six will be given "Accomplishment"
and effort marks in parallel with the general elementary guidelines.
Middle School Grades
The basic philosophy which should guide staff in evaluation of
achievement and behavior should include the following principles:
1. Grades are recorded primarily as a means of evaluation and
should be sufficient in number to justify the grade reported.
2. The purpose of grades is to help students, parents/guardians,
and teachers see how the student is progressing in relation to:
a. Standards of expected student achievement.
b. His/her own learning capacity.
3. A student should not be surprised by the grade he/she receives.
Systematically, and as often as a given situation requires, the
teacher should remind students of the criteria which govern the
assignment of these grades and should keep students informed as
to their status and progress.
Whenever it becomes evident to a teacher that a student is in
danger of failing a course, the teacher shall arrange a conference
with the student's parent/guardian or send the parent/guardian
a written report.
4. Grades should not be affected by short excused absences or
unusual circumstances provided that work and tests are made up.
5. Grading will be determined by academic achievement and effort.
6. Special Education students, RSP and SDC, shall be graded in
terms of effort and achievement. Course work will be reflective
of State Framework Guidelines. Grades will be determined in relation
to the content and material selected to meet student needs.
Special Education students can receive the full range of marks
when the report card reflects enrollment in a course designed
as RSP or SDC. These marks will have equal standing with other
middle school report card marks when students are considered for
achievement award.
Scholarship grades
Authorized Grade Meaning of the Student Grade
A This grade indicates superior achievement. It is the grade
most often earned by a student consistently performing at an outstanding
level
B This grade indicates betterthanaverage achievement.
A student with persistent effort and/or special motivation may
earn this grade.
C This grade indicates average achievement. A student of aboveaverage
ability can meet this standard quite easily. It is the grade
typically earned by a student of average ability who consistently
makes a good effort. For a student of belowaverage ability,
this grade indicates he/she is doing very well.
D This grade indicates that the student is meeting only minimum
standards.
F This grade indicates a failure to meet minimum standards.
E (Excused) This mark is given to designate that a student has
been officially excused from physical education.
I (Incomplete) This mark is given if a course has not been completed.
A teacher may specify the time limit for making up the incomplete,
but the time may not exceed six weeks. If the work is not made
up, the grade will be determined on the available grades, with
the missed work assigned the grade "F." No incomplete
may be given at the end of the second semester or when a student
transfers.
P (Pass) This mark is given to indicate the satisfactory completion
of a designated field of study where standard letter grades A,
B, C, D are not used.
W (Withdrawal) This mark means that a student has dropped a course
without penalty, generally prior to the end of the fifth or sixth
week of the semester.
W/F This mark means that a student has
(Withdrawal dropped a course with penalty, generally after
with an F grade) after the fifth or sixth week of the semester.
N This mark is used to indicated no grade and no credit.
F/A This mark means withdrawal due to attendance.
The performance level column on the report card allows a teacher
to show if the student is working on materials above, on, or below
grade level.
+ This mark means that the student is working on materials above
grade level.
= This mark means that the student is working on materials at
grade level.
This mark means that the student is working on materials
below grade level.
Citizenship
Citizenship includes effort, attitude, and study skills.
G (Good) This mark means more than good conduct. It is reserved
for the student who consistently is attentive, courteous, dependable,
trustworthy, honest, responsible, prompt, careful, and respectful.
S (Satisfactory) This mark is for the student who demonstrates
good conduct but does nothing to distinguish himself/herself from
any other student.
N (Needs to Improve) This mark is for the student who needs to
improve in paying attention, relying on self, showing selfcontrol,
obeying school rules, using school property carefully, or being
punctual and regular in attendance. This mark is for the student
who seriously interferes with classroom instruction; is rude to
teacher, classmates; refuses to work; shows lack of respect for
teacher.
High School Grades
The basic philosophy which should guide staff in evaluation of
achievement and behavior should include the following principles:
1. Grades are recorded primarily as a means of evaluation and
should be sufficient in number to justify the grade reported.
2. The purpose of grades is to help students, parent/guardians,
and teachers see how the student is progressing in relation to:
a. Standards of expected student achievement.
b. His/her own learning capacity.
3. A student should not be surprised by the grade he/she receives.
Systematically, and as often as a given situation requires, the
teacher should remind students of the criteria which govern the
assignment of these grades and should keep students informed as
to their status and progress.
Whenever it becomes evident to a teacher that a student is in
danger of failing a course, the teacher shall arrange a conference
with the student's parent/guardian or send the parent/guardian
a written report.
4. Failing grades for high school students for excessive absences
will be given in accordance with Board policy 5113, high school
attendance policy. This principle applies to Special Education
students unless an exception is defined and explained by an IEP
Team for the individual student.
5. Special Education students, RSP and SDC, shall be graded in
terms of effort and achievement. Course work will be reflective
of State Framework Guidelines as well as the course description(s).
Grades will be determined in relation to the content and materials
selected to meet student needs.
Special Education students can receive the full range of marks
when the report card reflects enrollment in a course designated
as RSP or SDC.
Scholarship Grades
Authorized Grade Meaning of the Student Grade
A This grade indicates superior achievement. It is the grade
most often earned by a student consistently performing at an outstanding
level
B This grade indicates betterthanaverage achievement.
A student with persistent effort and/or special motivation may
earn this grade.
C This grade indicates average achievement. A student of aboveaverage
ability can meet this standard quite easily. It is the grade
typically earned by a student of average ability who consistently
makes a good effort. For a student of belowaverage ability,
this grade indicates he/she is doing very well.
D This grade indicates that the student is meeting only minimum
standards.
F This grade indicates a failure to meet minimum standards.
E (Excused) This mark is given to designate that a student has
been officially excused from physical education.
I (Incomplete) This mark is given if a course has not been completed.
A teacher may specify the time limit for making up the incomplete,
but the time may not exceed six weeks. If the work is not made
up, the grade will be determined on the available grades, with
the missed work assigned the grade "F." No incomplete
may be given at the end of the second semester or when a student
transfers.
P (Pass) This mark is given to indicate the satisfactory completion
of a designated field of study where standard letter grades A,
B, C, D are not used.
W (Withdrawal) This mark means that a student has dropped a course
without penalty, generally prior to the end of the fifth or sixth
week of the semester.
W/F This mark means that a student has
(Withdrawal dropped a course with penalty, generally
with an F grade) after the fifth or sixth week of the semester.
N This mark is used to indicated no grade and no credit.
F/A This mark means withdrawal due to attendance.
***Note: After a student has been assigned to a class for 10
school days, a grade must be determined and recorded.***
Behavior/Conduct/Citizenship
The behavior/conduct (citizenship) grading should be based on
the following criteria to help make reasonable, fair, and consistent
evaluation and to provide counsel and guidance for students:
Authorized Grade Meaning of the Student Grade
S (Satisfactory) This mark is for the student who demonstrates
acceptable attitude toward class, subjects and teachers. This
is a starting grade for all students at the first of each semester.
P (Poor) This mark is for the student who needs to improve in
paying attention, relying on self, showing selfcontrol,
obeying school rules, using school property carefully, or being
punctual and regular in attendance.
U (Unsatisfactory) For the student who seriously interferes
with classroom instruction; is rude to teacher, classmates; refuses
to work; shows lack of respect for teacher.
Augmented Grade Point of Honors and/or Advanced Placement
1. Beginning with the graduation class of 1995, Honors and Advanced
Placement courses will receive a grade point augmentation of one
point for grades AC for up to four Honors and/or Advanced
Placement classes.
2. The augmentation is credited for both fall and spring semesters
for a maximum of eight augmented grades for the four courses.
If the augmented Honors or Advanced Placement class is taken
in the senior year, only one semester of augmentation is possible
because GPA for class rank is determined using both semesters
of the sophomore and junior years and the first semester of the
senior year.
3. Calculation will be as follows:
Grades X grade values C number
of eligible courses taken = unaugmented GPA Unaugmented GPA +
augmentation addon (.04 for up to 8 semesters) = augmented
GPA.
4. All students with GPAs of 4.0 and above will be recognized
as graduating with honor.
4.0 4.19 cum laude (with distinction)
4.20 boundary of highest GPA, magna cum laude (with great distinction)
4.32 or highest GPA, summa cum laude (with highest distinction)
Regulation FRESNO UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
approved: December 9, 1993 Fresno, California
revised: April 14, 1994
revised: November 8, 1995
revised: June 11, 1997