A new grading model is expanding across secondary schools this year as Bend-La Pine Schools continues its implementation of Standards-Based Grading. Some middle and high schools previously adopted it, more are implementing it this year, and all secondary schools will have it fully in place by this time next year. It’s a monumental shift in how our teachers evaluate how well students are learning and the process by which grades are assigned.

Katie Legace, the Executive Director of High Schools, and Stephen DuVal, the Executive Director of Middle Schools, join Dr. Cook to discuss how this approach is better for students.

Some families may wonder how the new grading model will translate to a student’s transcript and evaluation of college admission applications. DuVal offered assurances that universities and colleges are accustomed to working with schools that use standards-based grading.

"This is not going to disadvantage our students from reaching or achieving some of those high level colleges that our students want to get into," he said. "We're doing a better job of preparing them because we're being crystal clear on what the bar is and how to reach it so that they're prepared when they get there. Colleges are ready for this; they've already been doing this. This isn’t new to them.”

Learn more: https://www.bend.k12.or.us/district/academics/middle-school-instruction/grading-practices/grading-practices-faq

(Theme music by Zakhar Valaha)