Students tell Osseo board retakes help learning and call for consistent grading

Students from Osseo Public School District described how standards-based grading affects their learning during the Jan. 6 work session, urging consistent grading practices and wider access to retakes. Ikhla Adams, student board representative, said retakes provide "a 2nd chance to grow our learning," and several student presenters recommended that teachers within the same department use the same grading scales and rubrics so students are evaluated consistently across classes.

Board members asked how commonly retakes are offered and whether students receive full credit on retakes. Students said retakes are available in the majority of classes that allow them and that "everyone who offers retakes gives full credit," though not all teachers offer the option. Students also raised concerns about the volume of formative assignments, calling many tasks "busy work" that pile up and make it difficult to complete meaningful practice. One student suggested reducing the number of formatives and using class time to complete the ones that matter so missing assignments do not become an unmanageable backlog.

The students and board discussed balancing flexibility with fairness: some students favored individualized extensions when life circumstances require it, while others worried about inconsistent application across teachers. The panel suggested clearer syllabi, aligned department rubrics, and consistent retake policies as possible changes. The board said it would consider the students' feedback when deciding next steps on standards-based grading updates and follow-up presentations to teachers and principals.