Tam District Update-Grading
April 20, 2020
Distance Learning Plan Update-Grading
Dear Tam District Students, Staff, and Families,
The response to COVID-19 has created an unprecedented shift in teaching and learning. While our distance learning plan is meant to keep learning moving forward while caring for the whole student, it cannot replicate in-class instruction and the multiple supports that are provided to students at school. In this time of heightened anxiety and stress, for adults and youth alike, caused by the pandemic itself and the inability to meet in the regular classroom setting, it is vital that we take a thoughtful approach to delivering instruction and evaluating learning.
Tam District will implement a Universal Pass grading system for the second semester of the 2019-20 school year. The Universal Pass grading system will be a one-semester change in practice in which all students who are in good standing will earn an A in their academic courses during distance learning and the A will be averaged with the student’s R4 grades that were issued in March. The change in practice is temporary and the District will return to regular grading practices when students and staff return to school. The District’s school year will end on June 11th and there will be no formal final exam schedule. Teachers will continue to assess student work using multiple measures to provide feedback for learning.
A student is considered in “good standing” by participating in distance learning, to the best of their abilities given their individual circumstances, through the end of the semester. Any student who is deemed not in good standing may be issued an Incomplete for the semester. Good standing will take into account individual student circumstances and needs.
The decision to implement a Universal Pass grading system is based on multiple conversations with teachers, counselors, administrators and with consideration of the guidance from the California Department of Education, who stated that students must be held harmless for grades during the closure due to the response to the spread of COVID-19.
I believe moving to a Universal Pass grading system is the fairest thing to do, because it will benefit all students and harm none. In the hours of conversation I have had and the numerous grading options we, as a district leadership team, explored the only one that we felt served all our students was the Universal Pass. The purpose of the “A” designation is to alleviate the pressure for students to keep up grades during what is an unduly stressful time for many in an unfamiliar and untested academic landscape. Our primary goal with distance learning was to maintain some level of learning while caring for the whole child. We do not feel we can accurately assess student learning in the distance format, yet we wish to keep those who are able, engaged in learning for the remainder of the semester.
While considering the options for issuing grades during distance learning, I took into account many factors. Among those factors were: many students are highly motivated by grades and that motivation may decrease under a Universal Pass system; that some students who work hard may feel that other students are being given an unfair boost; and the potential impact on the college application process. I also considered that there are many students without access to reliable technology, or who do not have parents at home who are able to support their learning. We considered the students who are living in homes that are experiencing trauma due to the COVID-19 response, be that loss of a loved one, loss of income and security, lack of food, uncertainty about future employment and the overall increase in anxiety the pandemic has created. Additionally, I considered the difficulty many teachers are having in determining how to authentically assess students in this new paradigm.
There is no perfect answer to the conundrum we are facing. I know some of you would not choose this option, but for many, the circumstances in which they find themselves at this moment in time is not a choice. Student academic performance during this school closure is more likely to reflect differences in available resources and support. We believe a Universal Pass system allows all students to focus on what they need to during this time without being harmed via grades. We appreciate the continued support and understanding so many in our community have demonstrated during these difficult times.
Sincerely,
Tara Taupier | Superintendent
Tamalpais Union High School District
FAQ Regarding Grading During Distance Learning
FAQ:
Why can’t we just assign grades as we did prior to closure?
Distance learning does not replicate in-class experiences. While our teachers and students are indeed working hard, it is not the same learning environment and to assess student learning with efficacy in the current circumstances is extremely difficult.
Distance learning has exacerbated existing gaps in opportunities and resources.
The spread of COVID-19 and subsequent response has caused a great deal of anxiety and distress for families and students. For many, having to consider grades adds an undue burden at a time when other matters, such as health and emotional wellbeing are prominent.
How is a student in good standing defined?
In this context “good standing” means that the student has made a good-faith effort to continue to participate in coursework with integrity. Lack of engagement in the form of missing work and absences may still lead to an Incomplete (INC) grade for the semester. Exceptions to this policy will, of course, be made for those for whom participating in school work is or becomes untenable, and we encourage parents to be in close contact with site administration regarding your students ability to participate in distance learning.
Will students still be motivated to learn?
There is much research that indicates students may, in fact, be more motivated to learn. Students often focus more on a grade than learning and when a grade is removed from the equation, students often feel more engaged in learning for learning's sake.
In the fall, students will be advancing in their coursework. In order to be prepared to succeed in the fall, be that in post-secondary or in high school, students will need to continue to engage in learning now.
Some Resources:
Nutritional Services Reminder
Tamalpais Union High School District is providing free breakfast and lunch to-go meals at Redwood High School to all students under the age of 18 who are in need of food while our schools are closed, regardless of their eligibility for ‘Free or Reduced Lunch’ prior to the school closure. If your family is concerned about your ability to pick up food at Redwood during the specified days and/or time, please contact your Principal to discuss other arrangements.
Meal service is being provided at Redwood High School and will continue to be available on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11:00am to 12:30pm in the east parking lot of Redwood High School , at the corner of Lucky Drive and Doherty Drive, until school resumes or June 11, 2020. Students do not need to be present to pick up meals. Shelf stable, non-perishable meals will be available for multiple days.
The health and safety of students and staff are taken very seriously. Only trained food service staff members will be handling food using approved food handling procedures.
To keep students and staff safe during meal service, physical distancing of six feet is required. Please follow signs and distance markers to the service tables provided for foot traffic. Meals will be placed on long tables allowing for appropriate physical distance.
Ways to Help and Support
DINE11 CANAL
DINE11 Canal is a newly formed organization that is providing relief to both Canal area restaurants and residents during the economic slowdown from COVID-19. Dine11 Canal has identified several restaurants in the Canal area from which to purchase meals with solicited donations through their fiscal agent, Be the Influence, a 501(c)(3) corporation where donations are tax-deductible. Gift certificates for free meals at any of these participating restaurants will be distributed to families in need at Bahia Vista Elementary School and through the Canal Alliance during their regular distribution hours for food assistance. It's a win-win for Canal restaurants and families! For more information and to donate, please go to Dine11Canal (link: https://www.dine11marin.org/dine11-canal).
Play Marin is collecting donations and providing vital support to families in Marin City who have been hit particularly hard by the response to COVID-19.
Performing Stars is also collecting donations and providing financial support to families in Marin City who have lost income during the shelter-in-place order.
Marin Community Fund also has links to several organizations that are accepting donations.
Tam District
Email: ttaupier@tamdistrict.org
Website: tamdistrict.org
Phone: 415-945-1020
Twitter: @tamsupt