Plano ISD Grading Beliefs

We commit collectively and individually to improving our professional practice in the areas described below. 

We believe that all students can learn at high levels.

We therefore commit to the following: 

• We will provide clear learning targets/objectives for each lesson, and grades will be based on each individual student’s mastery of these learning objectives. 
• Each student’s performance will be compared to standards and expectations. 
• When evidence of learning is missing, we will work to obtain evidence of a student's mastery of essential knowledge and skills. 

We believe that behaviors that impede learning should be addressed directly and kept separate from academic grades.  

We therefore commit to the following: 

• Academic dishonesty (cheating) will be addressed as a disciplinary concern and may impact a student’s final grade. Students who are found to have engaged in academic dishonesty will be required to provide evidence of their learning. 
• A grade should reflect mastery of content; therefore, student compliance issues (such as late work) should be addressed outside of the context of academic grades. 

We believe that assessment is most effective if done with students rather than to students. 

We therefore commit to the following: 

• We will include students in the assessment/grading process by inviting them to examine and describe their own academic growth and achievement under the guidance of the teacher. 
• We will formatively assess during the learning to adjust instruction to meet the needs of our students, which means that not every task or activity will be graded. 
• Feedback provided before, during, and after the learning is critical for students to learn at high levels.