October 30, 2024 Community Update: Important End of Marking Period Grading and Reporting Reminder
Dear Parents and Guardians--
As the first marking period comes to a close and as a follow-up to course specific grading information provided by teachers, we want to provide an important reminder on changes to BCPS’ grading and reporting practices, student assessments and credits that went into effect at the start of this school year--
- Students will be awarded 0.5 credit after successful completion of Marking Period (MP) 1 and MP 2. As a reminder, this change aligns our practices with other school systems in the state, emphasizes the importance of closely measuring and monitoring student progress throughout the marking period, and provides built-in opportunities for students to reset and get back on track faster. Watch this short, informative video by Student Member of the Board Ugonma Chike-Kalu explaining the benefits of this change for secondary students. Students will earn 0.5 credit after a passing grade is achieved for Semester I (MP1, MP2) and earn another 0.5 credit passing for Semester II (MP3, MP4, and final exam). MP3 and MP4 will each weigh 45 percent and the final exam will weigh 10 percent to calculate the Semester II grade. Final grades will be calculated in Focus based on the MP3, MP4, and final exam grades.
- The curriculum-based assessment schedule was revised to create better alignment with pacing.
- Elimination of the rounding of quarter grades below 1.0. If a student does not attempt any work on an assignment or an assessment in good faith, a zero will be assigned.
Families are strongly encouraged to monitor student grades and progress consistently in Focus/Schoology and contact teachers, counselors, and administrators when a student needs help.
First and Second Semester Grade Chart
**The End-of Course Exams for Living Systems and Government will weigh 20%, per MSDE requirements. In these courses, MP3 and MP4 each weigh 40% and the state assessment will weigh 20%. Chart above does NOT display calculations for these courses. **
Parents can view credits earned for their student in FOCUS. See sample below:
If you need any additional assistance, please contact your child’s school.