Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Handbook Behavior Grading topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
RSU 11 policy committee flags middle-school behavior grade capped at 95, forwards handbooks to board
Summary
The RSU 11 policy committee discussed parent confusion over a middle-school behavior rubric that caps the behavior score at 95, debated clearer communication and possible revisions, and voted to forward bundled handbooks to the full school board for consideration.
Policy committee members in RSU 11 reviewed draft school handbooks on Tuesday, raising concerns about a middle-school behavior rubric that caps the behavior score at 95 and could lower students' averaged grades. The committee voted to bundle the high‑school, middle‑school and elementary handbooks and forward them to the full school board.
Committee members said the middle‑school grading chart lists behavior scores as 95 for "exceeds expectations," 85 for "meets expectations," 65 for "partially meets," and 55 for "does not yet meet," and noted that many students currently receive 85s for behavior. "We're capping the behavior grade at 95 to leave room for personal growth and reflection," a staff member said, explaining the intent behind the rubric.
Members and parents said the cap has caused confusion because it appears to prevent a student from receiving a 100 in behavior, which can affect an overall course average. "It's just a little strange to me because it does affect their grade," a parent said, adding that some families did not receive the informational letter if the change began last year.
The committee discussed options for responding: revise handbook language, invite administrators (Dr. Sims or Miss St. Dennis) to explain the rubric to the committee and community, run a reflection survey of students and families, or table changes for implementation next school year. Several members emphasized a communication gap and recommended adding in‑person opportunities—for example during conferences—to explain expectations and how behavior is scored.
After discussion, a committee member moved to send the bundled handbooks to the full board; another member seconded. The committee approved the motion by voice vote; an exact tally was not recorded. Staff said any revisions would likely be implemented for the following school year and that the committee could pull a handbook back from the bundle if changes are needed.
The committee also identified clerical updates—such as fixing a missing hyperlink on page 38 of the middle‑school handbook and updating an Office for Civil Rights address on page 58—that staff will correct before the board packet is finalized. The committee expects to return to remaining policy reviews at its next meeting.
