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Committee recommends shifting elementary marking periods to trimesters for more instructional time
Summary
The curriculum committee discussed a recommended move from quarters to trimesters in elementary schools, arguing longer 60‑day grading periods align with benchmark windows, allow more reteaching opportunities and improve family communication when principals provide context.
The curriculum and instruction committee reviewed a recommendation to shift elementary marking periods from four quarters to three trimesters.
Presenter explained the move is intended to give teachers more time to assess students and provide feedback (60‑day trimesters rather than 45‑day quarters), better align grading with benchmark testing windows and parent‑teacher conference timing, and reduce rushed grading cycles. The presenter noted scheduling realities — such as the late start of reliable benchmark data after the third week of school — made the trimester structure more practical for accurate assessment.
Committee members asked how the change would be communicated to families. Presenter said principals will lead outreach and that the assessment calendar will be finalized and shared with teachers and families by the end of the school year.
Next steps: principals will communicate the grading‑period change as part of the annual calendar messaging, and the district will publish an updated assessment calendar.
