Rocky Run Middle School Grading Policy

A Student/Parent Guide for Grading and Reporting

View our Grading Policy Pamphlet for Families

Grading Policy

Fairfax County and Rocky Run Middle School’s grading philosophies are based upon best practices and research. The purpose of grading is for students to demonstrate what they have learned based on the standards. We believe that the purpose of grades is to provide information about a student’s achievement at a given time and about learning trends during the school year. Additionally, we support that academic grades must be separate from work habit grades.

Grading Principles

At Rocky Run Middle School, teachers and administrators are dedicated to assessing students’ knowledge using clear and objective measures and communicating the results of the measurements to students and parents.

To this end, grades must:

• Convey achievement of identified standards as outlined in the Fairfax County Program of Studies.
• Be determined by achievement and separated from work habits
• Be based on high quality; complete evidence
• Be calculated appropriately 
• Support student learning
• Be clearly communicated to parents and students on an ongoing basis

Reassessment Policy

Any students who score an 89 % or below on a summative assessment have one additional opportunity to show mastery of content through reassessments in each curricular area. The goal is to allow students the opportunity to demonstrate learning that was not indicated as mastered on the initial summative assessment. In order for a reassessment to be provided students are expected to complete all review materials related to the content of the unit. Additionally, students will need to demonstrate that they have done the necessary preparation to be successful on a reassessment. The teacher will determine the type of preparation needed which may include content reviews during or after the school day, test corrections, etc.

Students who have achieved above an 89% on a summative assessment have exceeded mastery of the standard of learning and are therefore not eligible for a reassessment.  Any student earning a grade of 74% or higher may independently prepare and participate in a reassessment. A student receiving a grade less than 74% on a summative assessment will be required to perform the additional preparation and participate in the reassessment.

Equitable Grading Policy

On a 100 point scale, the interval between numerical and letter grades for A, B and C is generally 10 points.  However, the range for a D is 6 points while the range for an F is 63 points.   This disparity misrepresents actual achievement and can negatively impact a student’s motivation to learn.  At Rocky Run, we believe in an equitable grading policy. Grades are recorded on a scale of 50 – 100%. If a student earns below a 50% on an assignment/assessment, the score will be recorded in the grade book as a 50% with a comment of IE (Insufficient Evidence). If a student does not submit an assignment a zero will be entered in the gradebook with the code "NTI" (Not Turned In).

Work Completion Policy

We expect that all students complete 100% of their work 100% of the time.   Monitoring of students’ work is a collaborative process and the responsibility of students, parents, and teachers.  Parents are encouraged to ensure that their child’s homework assignments and out of class projects are completed in accordance with the instructions provided by the teacher.  Parents and students have access to grades at any time using their SIS (Student Information System) accounts.   All teachers expect students to complete and turn in assignments even when late.   A variety of interventions are available to assist students during and after the school day. 

• Students will be permitted to turn in homework/classwork to earn full credit until the date of the summative assessment.  
• If a student is absent and has not completed an assignment, the teacher will record “Ab” in the grade column which indicates that the student was absent and must complete the assignment.  An “Ab”  has no point value and does not negatively impact a student’s grade.  The teacher may include more information in the public notes. 
• “EX” is excused work; this assignment does not factor into grade calculation.
• “IE” is Insufficient Evidence; calculated as F (50%) Reasons that “IE” could be seen in gradebook:
  • Grade received on the work is lower than 50%.
  • Standards not met.
• “NTI” is an assignment that is not turned in; calculated as F (0%) in the gradebook. At the end of each quarter all assignments marked “NTI” will be marked “IE."

Parent View and Gradebook

Fairfax County Public Schools is providing SIS Parent Accounts to each parent and student at our school. This will enable access to view students’ attendance, grades, and discipline at any time. Using the SIS Parent Accounts, parents and students are responsible for monitoring their own academic performance. Teachers will communicate with students’ parents when their academic performance is below average.

Grading Scale

A  (93-100)

A- (90-92)

B+ (87-89)

B (83-86)

B– (80-82)

C+ (77-79)

C (73-76)

C- (70-72)

D+ (67-69)

D  (64-66)

F (50-63)