Academic+Standards

Potential discussion starter: this is from the school where I used to teach; it has been in place for some time. As a teacher, it was nice to have a document like this in place to articulate standards to students, parents, and faculty. Should we adopt something like this for our department? Joe  Academic Standards (Taken from 2010-2011 Pennington School Student/Parent Handbook)

Grading System The grading system is based on the following standards: **A (93–100) A– (90–92)**  The grade of A (90–100) represents excellence in: • intellectual command of material, showing accuracy and lucidity of thought • independence and self-discipline in completing assigned and unassigned work • cooperation in classroom activities with frequent unsolicited positive contributions • effective use of materials presented • originality in oral and written expression

 **B+ (87–89) B (83–86) B– (80–82)**  The grade of B (80–89) represents an above-average performance, including: • knowledge of course content • a reasonable grasp of methods of study and course objectives • active class participation • sustained orderliness in presenting assignments • ability to express ideas coherently and cogently, verbally and in writing

**C+ (77–79) C (73–76) C– (70–72)**  The grade of C (70–79) represents the minimal level of achievement for college certifcation and indicates a satisfactory performance, including: • cooperation, initiative, and familiarity with the course content • reasonable understanding of coursework • completion of requirements chosen by the instructor or department • ability to express basic ideas in oral and/or written assignments in a coherent manner and with a fundamental degree of scholarship

**D+ (67–69) D (63–66) D– (60–62)**  The grade of D (60–69) represents unsatisfactory work. Although the grade of D will confer credit for graduation or promotion to the next grade level, it falls below the minimum acceptable for continuation in a sequential course without summer work or departmental approval. It fails to certify a student for college eligibility.

The grade of F represents the student’s failure to meet the minimum course standards. No credit is allowed for failed courses. Any senior receiving a final grade of F in any course will not be permitted to graduate. All grades below 50 will be recorded as a 50, except in cases of academic dishonesty. If a student does not meet minimum course requirements, such as major papers and tests, it will be considered flagrant neglect in meeting the essential obligations of that course and may result in a grade of D or F for the term. A progress report will be sent at any time by a teacher if a student is not meeting the expectations of the class.