Seattle Public Schools board adopts new grading policy during coronavirus closures

SEATTLE — The board for Seattle Public Schools voted Monday to adopt a new grading policy for high school students due to coronavirus school closures.

The new policy suspends normal grading and replaces it with what the district is referring to as "A or Incomplete.”

“After looking at several options, we determined the “A or Incomplete” policy is the best option to make sure the extended school building closure doesn’t harm any of our students, particularly those furthest from educational justice,” said SPS Superintendent Denise Juneau.

It says that the new grading system would “even the playing field” for students who don’t have appropriate resources during remote learning.

“Grades have historically rewarded students with privilege and penalized others. This issue has become even more apparent during this COVID-19 emergency,” the school district said in a statement.

The board says the policy was developed with the district’s Racial Equity Analysis Tool to best achieve an equitable approach to grading during the disruption.

“With the “A or Incomplete” policy, we’re ensuring that no students are penalized because they might not have the same advantages at home that other students have," said Board President Zachary DeWolf.

More information about the new policy will be sent directly to families and is also available on the district’s website.

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