PVUSD board debates homework, makeup‑work and test‑makeup rules in a lengthy policy discussion

On Feb. 26 the board considered proposed revisions to BP 5121 (grades/evaluation) and BP/AR 6154 (homework and makeup work), focusing on two contested elements: whether students absent a single day should be expected to take a missed test upon return, and whether the district’s two‑week window to submit late work for partial credit is too long.

Staff presented survey snapshots from 220 teacher respondents: results were mixed, with the greatest late‑work frequency reported in middle and high schools. Teachers’ comments cited student procrastination, uneven accountability and impacts on learning; some staff said the current makeup rules have backfired by allowing students to fall behind.

Board member Julie Hamill argued students who miss one day should generally be prepared to take the test when they return, while others (including members concerned about student anxiety) urged flexibility and a clear process for students to request extensions. Several members proposed compromise language: require students to advocate (email/request) for an extension and require teacher acknowledgment; if a teacher fails to respond, parents or site administrators could intervene.

On late work, board members exchanged views about the existing two‑week partial‑credit window. Some members recommended shortening the window (for example, to one week) to prevent students from falling far behind, particularly in cumulative subjects such as math; others favored retaining the two‑week standard while revising AR language and clarifying teacher discretion and progressive discipline steps. Board members asked staff to return with suggested regulatory language (AR) and with best‑practice research, and to consider whether differential guidance for math or other cumulative subjects is warranted.