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Homewood High School

Educating and Empowering All Students to Maximize Their Unique Potential

Grading at Homewood High

Grading at Homewood High School

Over the past few years, Homewood High School has begun introducing a new grading system to more accurately and meaningfully track students' academic progress throughout the semester. To learn more about why we are moving toward an evidence-based grading system, we invite you to watch the video below.

 

 

Grading Policy: 

Students’ grades should tell one story: what a student truly knows and can do.

This course will follow Evidence-Based Grading and Reporting practices. This approach focuses on clear, specific skills and standards, with grades reflecting evidence of what students know and can do rather than points accumulated.

Through meaningful feedback, reflection, and opportunities for growth, students will develop a stronger understanding of their learning and take ownership of their progress. The goal is to help students recognize where they are, identify next steps, and build the self-efficacy needed for continued success beyond high school.

How will my progress be communicated at Homewood High School

Student progress is tracked through three integrated measures: preparation, growth, and proficiency. Together, these indicators provide a comprehensive picture of learning that fosters student agency and success. 

 

 

Preparation Log: This log tracks a student's practice and preparation, highlighting student work, readiness, responsibility, and self-efficacy. While the Preparation Log is not calculated into the final course grade, it is an essential part of the learning process. The practice, feedback, and preparation documented here are directly connected to student success, helping to ensure students are ready to demonstrate their proficiency on summative assessments that contribute to the final grade. Consistent engagement in the Preparation Log builds the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to achieve mastery. 

How Am I Preparing?

Prepared

(P)

Completed practice on time and ready to use it. 

Somewhat Prepared 

(SP) 

Practice is completed inconsistently and/or with inconsistent accuracy.

Not Prepared

(NP)

Practice is missing or significantly incomplete. 

Student Action

Maintain consistent work habits and stay actively engaged in class. 

Finish incomplete or missing practice and correct errors before the next class meeting. 

Make a plan to complete the work and check in with your teacher right away. 

Academic Progress: This report indicates whether students are on track or need additional practice/support. It reflects the relative level of concern regarding their academic growth compared to expected course milestones. Reported twice a month.

How am I progressing?

Not Concerned

(NC)

No concerns at this time.  Positive trajectory for academic growth.  

Somewhat Concerned (SC) 

Moderately concerned about the level of development towards proficiency.  Support is encouraged. 

Concerned

(C)

Highly concerned about development towards proficiency.  Student is not progressing; support is required.  Student is at risk of failing the course.  

Student Action

Keep doing what you are doing.  Use your resources and continue to work hard. 

Use teacher feedback, meet with your teacher, practice concepts you do not understand, and reflect on your level of proficiency. 

Meet with your teacher immediately to create a focused recovery plan and get targeted support. 

Evidence-Based Grading does not include a traditional retake policy. Students are not simply retaking assessments. Instead, skills are reassessed throughout the semester as students continue learning and demonstrating growth. Because grades are determined by mode and recency, future opportunities to demonstrate mastery allow students to show their most current level of understanding.

When needed, students may be required to complete additional learning, practice, or support before demonstrating mastery again. 

If additional evidence is needed to determine a student's most accurate level of proficiency, the student may be asked to demonstrate the skill during end-of-semester learning opportunities.

 

  •  

    Preparation Log: This log tracks a student's practice and preparation, highlighting student work, readiness, responsibility, and self-efficacy. While the Preparation Log is not calculated into the final course grade, it is an essential part of the learning process. The practice, feedback, and preparation documented here are directly connected to student success, helping to ensure students are ready to demonstrate their proficiency on summative assessments that contribute to the final grade. Consistent engagement in the Preparation Log builds the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to achieve mastery. 

    How Am I Preparing?

    Prepared

    (P)

    Completed practice on time and ready to use it. 

    Somewhat Prepared 

    (SP) 

    Practice is completed inconsistently and/or with inconsistent accuracy.

    Not Prepared

    (NP)

    Practice is missing or significantly incomplete. 

    Student Action

    Maintain consistent work habits and stay actively engaged in class. 

    Finish incomplete or missing practice and correct errors before the next class meeting. 

    Make a plan to complete the work and check in with your teacher right away. 

  • Academic Progress: This report indicates whether students are on track or need additional practice/support. It reflects the relative level of concern regarding their academic growth compared to expected course milestones. Reported twice a month.

    How am I progressing?

    Not Concerned

    (NC)

    No concerns at this time.  Positive trajectory for academic growth.  

    Somewhat Concerned (SC) 

    Moderately concerned about the level of development towards proficiency.  Support is encouraged. 

    Concerned

    (C)

    Highly concerned about development towards proficiency.  Student is not progressing; support is required.  Student is at risk of failing the course.  

    Student Action

    Keep doing what you are doing.  Use your resources and continue to work hard. 

    Use teacher feedback, meet with your teacher, practice concepts you do not understand, and reflect on your level of proficiency. 

    Meet with your teacher immediately to create a focused recovery plan and get targeted support. 

  • Evidence-Based Grading does not include a traditional retake policy. Students are not simply retaking assessments. Instead, skills are reassessed throughout the semester as students continue learning and demonstrating growth. Because grades are determined by mode and recency, future opportunities to demonstrate mastery allow students to show their most current level of understanding.

    When needed, students may be required to complete additional learning, practice, or support before demonstrating mastery again. 

    If additional evidence is needed to determine a student's most accurate level of proficiency, the student may be asked to demonstrate the skill during end-of-semester learning opportunities.