Parents Express Concern About ISD 279 Standards Based Grading

As the school year comes close to ending, some parents are expressing concern about the progress of the newly implemented Standards Based Grading.

The implemented its first year of Standards Based Grading in District 279 during the 2011-2012 school year.

In the past, student grading might have included a mixture of academic and nonacademic achievement. With Standards-Based Grading, the grading focuses heavily on academic achievement only. Nonacademic issues are included on separate reporting tools.

According to a on Maple Grove Patch, 120 out of 145 respondents were “frustrated” with the first year of implementation of Standards Based Grading in the Osseo School District.  

District 279 parent Steve McCuskey spoke before District 279 School Board at its May 1 meeting, citing concerns from “concerned parents and students.” McCuskey shared his view on how Standards Based Grading was working in the district, sharing information about the impact on grading, secondary school students and more.    

“We strongly believe that the district needs to immediately review and rescind the implementation of Standards Based Grading,” Steve McCuskey said. “The new grading system was thrown at all grade levels of the district without apparent proper preparation, resources or an apparent in-depth development plan, which included reviewing and easing any possible negative impact to our students, especially our secondary school students.”

Superintendent Kate Maguire spoke about “concerns expressed by community members” about the district’s shift in grading practices during her report at the May 1 meeting.

“First, I’m sorry the shift in grading practices is causing concern among parents and some community members. We’re committed to continuing to listen, to making adjustments as we go – and that includes students, staff and community members,” Maguire said.

“We know we have much communicating to do regarding the shift in grading practices,” she said. “We’ve found that meeting individually with site staff, site administrators and parents who are concerned has been helpful. I know that there are misperceptions and inaccuracies that are occurring and being communicated regarding the shift in grading practices. That indicates an area we need to improve our communication and professional development and support of staff in with implementing the new system.”

What’s next?

The Osseo School District School Board will have a work session 6 p.m. Thursday, May 17, in the forum room at the Educational Service Center. It is open to the public. The topic scheduled is Standards Based Grading with a board presentation/discussion at 6 p.m. followed by a listening session/audience opportunity for feedback at approximately 7:30 p.m.

The second year of implementation of Standards Based Grading is expected to move forward during the 2012-2013 school year.

If you’d like more information on Standards-Based Grading and Reporting, including benchmarks for the 2012-2013 school year, visit the Osseo District 279 website at http://www.district279.org/departments/curriculum/SBG/

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