Posting Date: July, 2004 Student Assignment and Evaluation of Pupil Progress
Index

Previous Page

Shelby County Schools

2004-2005 Student-Parent Handbook

Next Page



STUDENT ASSIGNMENT AND EVALUATION OF PUPIL PROGRESS



Class Assignments (Policy 6104)
The assignment of pupils and classes to teachers is made by the principal of the school. The parent may request information about the professional qualifications of their child's classroom teacher.

Grading System (Policies 6306 & 6307)
Grades for knowledge/subject areas are expressed by letters. In high schools (9-12), grades are expressed in numerical figures. Letter/numerical equivalents for all grade levels are:

A ............................................................ 94-100
B ............................................................ 86-93
C ............................................................ 77-85
D ............................................................ 70-76
F ............................................................ Below 70
Report to Parents
In grades 1-12, a computerized system is used in reporting grades to parents. This grade report is sent to parents at the end of each nine weeks. Kindergarten receives a non-computerized report card. All grade reports are sent as indicated on the report card schedule.

An important variable related to student success is parental involvement. Parents are encouraged to discuss the student's progress with school personnel.

Semester Exam Exemption for 12th Grade Students (6307-Regulation)
NOTE: Students in grades 9-11 are not eligible for Exam Exemptions.

A student classified as a 12th grade student as defined by Shelby County policy, having a ninety (90) or higher average for the two terms in a specific course and having three (3) or fewer excused absences in the same course will be exempted from the semester exam if the student desires. When a student is exempted from the examination, the semester average will be the average of the two term grades. ANY UNEXCUSED ABSENCE IN THE COURSE WILL DISQUALIFY THE STUDENT FROM THIS EXEMPTION.

NOTE: Students who are exempted from exams and do not attend school on exam day will be marked absent.

The following standards will be observed for students to be exempted from semester exams:
  1. A student shall be classified as a 12th grade student as defined by Shelby County policy. Any student who is eligible for an exemption may elect to take his/her exam in an attempt to improve his/her average. If the student's exam score is lower than the average of the two nine weeks' grades, the exam score will not count.

  2. Absences due to school-sponsored activities do not count against the student. Provisions will be made for exempted students who choose to attend school on test day.

  3. Absences due to religious holidays do not count against the student. Please note that the classroom teacher is responsible for maintaining the accurate attendance in the classroom. If discrepancies occur, the principal makes the final decision.

  4. Days spent in ISS are counted as excused absences from class.

  5. Homebound students are not eligible.

  6. Days a student is not on roll in a class are included as absences for this policy. A student transferring into a Shelby County school or from one Shelby County school to another during the semester may qualify for exemption on the basis of a certified attendance record from the previous school provided (a) he/she entered said previous school the day it opened for the semester and (b) he/she meets all other criteria of this policy. In unusual circumstances beyond the student's control, the decision regarding exemption shall be the responsibility of the principal. The principal shall have final authority regarding exemption.

  7. Standard rounding procedures will be used for averaging grades.

  8. Tardies do not count as absences.

  9. Projects may still count as exams or become a part of the semester average.

Promotion and Retention (Policy 6304)
Promotion or retention will be considered on the basis of what is in the best interest of the student. The final determination of whether a pupil is promoted or retained in the grade shall be made by appropriate school officials. When a student experiences difficulty in class work or homework assignments, parents/guardians will be informed.

Parent Conferences
Parent-teacher conferences are encouraged and may be initiated by either the teacher or the parent. Parents should schedule conferences with teachers by calling the school office. In addition, two half-days a year, one each semester, are also set aside for parent conferences. (See annual calendar for specific dates.)