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District math grading practices align across high schools, staff report; board asks to study other subjects
Summary
Instructional leaders reported that high-school math grades in algebra and geometry are primarily assessment-based (75–90%), showing calibration across sites. Trustees asked staff to examine possible grade-inflation evidence and consider whether to revisit the 'D' grade in science and world language.
District instructional staff told the Temecula Valley Unified School District board July 22 that high-school math courses at the district’s three comprehensive high schools are closely calibrated and that the majority of course grades are assessment-based.
Assistant Superintendent Joe Balewag (presenter) summarized a cross-site review of Algebra I, Geometry and Algebra II grading composition, reporting that assessments — defined as tests, quizzes, district benchmarks and final exams — account for roughly 75% or more of the course grade in those classes. ‘‘When the vast majority of the grade, at least 75% of the grade…is performance-based…we're not inflating grades in mathematics,’’ he said.
Trustees asked whether grading approaches in other subjects, particularly science and world language, showed similar calibration or signs of grade inflation. Trustee Veil Barham asked staff to continue the review across other secondary subjects and report back on whether a D grade should be reintroduced for those subject areas. District leaders said they would coordinate across departments and bring back findings.
Why it matters: Grading practices affect students’ transcripts, placement and progress toward graduation. The board’s request to examine grading in other core secondary subjects aims to ensure consistency and fairness across the district.
Next steps: Staff will expand the review to other content areas (science and world language were explicitly mentioned) and return to the board with evidence about calibration and any recommendations about grading-scale changes, including the possible reintroduction of a D grade in selected subjects.
