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Students tell Bend‑LaPine board standards‑based grading is causing confusion and stress
Summary
Student Voice Council and student representatives told the board that standards‑based grading is inconsistently applied across classrooms, creating uncertainty about what constitutes a top score and concerns about GPAs, college comparisons and athletic eligibility; the board pledged to increase transparency and follow up with administrators.
Students from the Bend‑LaPine Student Voice Council told the board during public comments that the district’s move to standards‑based grading has produced confusion for students and families and inconsistent application by teachers.
“Students, teachers, and families have expressed that they still feel unsure about parts of standards based grading,” a council representative said, listing concerns that include unclear definitions of a ‘4’ (top score), inconsistent grading within the same course and stress from heavier weight on end‑of‑semester assessments.
Students said the district plans information nights would help, but they urged districtwide calibration and clearer communication so students understand how grades translate to GPAs, scholarships and college admissions. They also raised athletic concerns linked to OSAA semester‑grade rules, asking for guidance for coaches and teams on how early semester grades may look under the new system.
Board members praised the Student Voice Council and pledged to continue work on transparency. One director said the rollout has been “misty and concerning,” and promised the board would press administrators for clarity. Administrators acknowledged some materials had been provided by email and said they would add requested breakdowns to board materials.
The students said the council will continue the conversation at future meetings and also begin reviewing a new cell‑phone policy.
What’s next: Board members asked administrators to provide additional materials and to use district channels to clarify how standards‑based grades convert to traditional letter grades and how they may affect athletic eligibility.
