With the start of the new school year, introduces changes in the way assignments are graded across the school district. The changes involve the weighted split between formative and summative assessments, (Summative being worth 90% and formatives worth 10%) affecting a student’s grades.
In the 2021-2022 school year, Basic had a 87.04% graduation rate, which is relevant to its neighboring school, Foothill with an 87.77% graduation rate, however, the proficiency percentages were vastly different.
During that school year, Basic had proficiency rates of 28.3% in ELA and 3.8% in Math, meaning that only 28.3% of students attending Basic were considered proficient in ELA and 3.8% were considered proficient in Math. Compared to Foothills proficiency percentages, which were 59.1% in ELA and 25.8% in Math.
In addition to the changes involving the weighted split, students are now able to receive lower than 50% on assessments and assignments. This effect is canceled out at the end of each quarter, bringing those grades to the minimum F, according to assistant principal Steven Bentz, who declined to comment further on the topic.
Students attending Basic have mixed feelings about the new grading system. Students were asked if they thought the new grading system would affect them and their peers, leading to some unexpected answers.
Although teachers may like the policy, students are nervous about the changes.
“I don’t do my work,” said junior Angel Rosales.
Not all students, however, are worried.
“No, I am a smart kid. Others like to not do their work even though school is easy,” said senior Ace Cervantes.
The students at Basic have varying opinions. Some athletes at Basic were interviewed on whether the changes will affect them or their peers.
“I know a lot of people that don’t do their work because they are also lazy,” said Angel Rosales.
The majority of students responded with the idea that school is easy as long as you do your work and some responded that their teammates will struggle this year with the changes.
“My teammates don’t do their work but we’ll work through it,” said Donovan Glover.
Some teachers believe the changes will have a positive impact, including graduation rates.
“The changes will be good due to the extra accountability and keeping kids responsible. I am hoping the graduation rates will climb even with that,” sai
d PE teacher and softball coach Ryan Utes.
School looks to remain a place that holds students accountable for their actions. Along with that comes changes that help advance that goal.
“There has to be a standard of some sort. They’re trying to find that happy medium of kids being held to a standard and also be successful,” said Coach Utes.
Only time can tell how effective these changes will be on the district and Basic as a school, but the results can only reflect off of the students after all.