CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — The next report cards for CCISD students will be looking a little different. Instead of an A-B-C letter grade, the district switched to a “pass” or “incomplete” grading method for the current learning period, which is the fifth sixth-weeks of the spring 2020 semester.
The temporary grading method is for students who are in first grade and older. Basically, if students turn in all their school work, and efficiently communicate with their teachers online, they’ll get a “passing” grade.
While students have been learning remotely for the past couple weeks, some parents are happy about the new method, while others are unsure.
KRIS 6 News spoke to a CCISD parent who says her daughter has worked hard to maintain a good GPA, and worries the new method could reflect in her future report cards.
“You have those students, who in my opinion who have worked so hard for those straight A’s, like my daughter,” said Morgan Patterson. “I just don't want to see this affect her overall GPA in the future and what it might do for her going into high school and all of her pre-AP classes.”
Patterson’s daughter, Lilly, who recently has been doing all of her classwork virtually, said she works better in a classroom setting.
“I’m one of the kids who sits in the front row and I pay attention a lot more,” said Lilly. “I don't like (online learning) because when I have a problem and I don't know when I'm supposed to do something, I can't ask my teacher.”
Students can expect an incomplete grade if they were failing at the three-week progress-reporting period; if teachers haven’t been able to get a hold of the student; if the student hasn’t received their classwork; or if students don’t turn in their assignments.
Students who get an “incomplete grade” have until April 24 to make up any missed assignments, which could turn that “incomplete” grade into a “passing” grade. At this time, it’s not clear if these grading guidelines will continue for the rest of the school year. The district will make a decision in the next month on how to move forward.
Patterson mentioned while the grading system could help students who are falling behind in the classroom, she understands teachers and the district are learning, too, how to best educate the students.
“It's brand-new for everyone and I know the teachers and the school district are doing what they think is best,” said Patterson.