Here's How Milford Students Will Be Graded For Rest Of Year

Written by Milford Schools Superintendent Dr. Anna Cutaia,

Dear Parents/Guardians,

The school building closures in response to the pandemic crisis have caused school districts
throughout the State of Connecticut and beyond to revisit many practices and policies. Grading
practices that are responsive to our new learning environment, as well as what families are facing at home, are among the many decisions we have had to make in the face of COVID-19.

Our leadership team took the time to analyze many options regarding grading practices in the
environment of virtual learning, all with a student-centered focus.

Throughout the process we considered:
1. Stress related to COVID-19 negatively impacting student achievement performance.

2. Student academic performance during school building closures is more likely to reflect racial,
economic and resource differences. (Crescendo Education Group, 2020)

3. The learning curve for virtual learning has been steep for most students and their families as
well as for staff members.

4. Milford families are increasingly being impacted more directly by the COVID-19 virus.
After much thought and consideration, the following grading practices will be implemented in
response to school building closures during this pandemic crisis:

High Schools
Grades in fourth quarter will be represented as follows:

Pass with Distinction (PD) = 100% (grades averaging 86-100 in classwork, projects,
tests, quizzes, etc.)

Pass (P) = 85% (grades averaging 60-85 in classwork, projects, tests, quizzes, etc.)

Failure (F) = 59% (grades averaging below 60 in classwork, projects, tests, quizzes, etc.)
Grade distribution for year long courses:

Quarter 1 = 25%
Quarter 2 = 25%
Midterm = 10%
Quarter 3 = 20%
Quarter 4 = 20%
No final exams

Grade distribution for year long courses that don't have a midterm exam:
Quarter 1 =30%
Quarter 2 = 30%
Quarter 3 = 20%
Quarter 4 = 20%

Semester 2 courses:
Grade distribution of those courses will be:
Quarter 3 = 60%
Quarter 4 = 40%

Middle Schools
Grades in third trimester will be represented as follows:

Pass with Distinction (PD) = 100% (grades averaging 86-100 in classwork, projects,
tests, quizzes, etc.)

Pass (P) = 85% (grades averaging 60-85 in classwork, projects, tests, quizzes, etc.)

Failure (F) = 59% (grades averaging below 60 in classwork, projects, tests, quizzes, etc.)

Grade distribution for year long courses:
Trimester 1 = 40%
Trimester 2 = 40%
Trimester 3 = 20%
No final exams

Elementary Schools
No standards-based grades will be issued for the third trimester. Comments upon completing
the third trimester will include highlights of individual student achievement and opportunities
for growth over the course of the entire school year.

Thank you for understanding while we face unprecedented issues requiring difficult decisions. Our
commitment to you is to consider all factors and make decisions in the best interest of all students. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact your school Principal.