Coronavirus: Students' Grades Cannot Drop

ELMHURST, IL — Here's one benefit for students at most local schools while they are learning remotely — their grades can't get any worse than they were when traditional classes ended more than two weeks ago. But they must remain engaged with their coursework. That's the recommended policy of the State School Board of Education.

Among the districts following this policy are Elmhurst School District 205, Hinsdale High School District 86 and Clarendon Hills-based Community Consolidated School District. Darien School District 61 is still reviewing the guidelines.

In its guidelines, the state school board calls the policy "no educational harm to any child." The coronavirus crisis, it says, has affected society entirely and is unprecedented.

Instead of giving an F, the state says, the student should get an "incomplete." Those students who are disengaged should get an incomplete or no grade at all because it is possible they are experiencing circumstances outside of their control.

In an email to Patch, Darien School District 61 Superintendent Bob Carlo said officials will review the process with staff after spring break and share information with parents soon. "Our goal is to continue to provide educational opportunities for students and working on the best way to communicate progress and keep students engaged," he said.

In a mass email earlier this week, Hinsdale High School District 86 said it understands that students' opportunities may be impacted if they do not have access to the same level of support that is typically offered in a traditional school environment. That was the reason it cited for following the state school board's guidelines.

District 86 serves students in Hinsdale, Clarendon Hills, Darien and Burr Ridge, among other areas.

Read more:

Illinois Coronavirus Update April 1: Almost 6,000 Cases; 100 Dead

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