Connecticut Schools Grading Policy

Overview of Connecticut Grading Policy

Welcome to our comprehensive guide on the Connecticut grading policy! Whether you’re a student, parent, or educator, understanding the grading system is crucial for navigating the academic landscape. This guide will break down the key components of the grading policy in Connecticut, including the grade scale, mastery scale, and standards-based grading. Let’s dive in!

Grade Scale 📊

In Connecticut, the traditional letter grading scale is used to evaluate student performance. Here’s a breakdown of the grading chart:

GradePercentage Range
A90-100%
B80-89%
C70-79%
D60-69%
FBelow 60%

Mastery Scale 🏆

Connecticut also uses a mastery scale to assess student understanding and proficiency in specific subjects. The mastery scale provides a more detailed evaluation of a student’s skills and knowledge. Here’s how it looks:

LevelDescription
Exemplary (E)Exceptional understanding and mastery
Proficient (P)Solid understanding and mastery
Developing (D)Partial understanding, needs improvement
Beginning (B)Minimal understanding, requires support

Standards-Based Grading 📈

Standards-based grading focuses on evaluating students’ performance based on their mastery of specific learning standards. This approach provides a more accurate picture of a student’s progress. Here’s a quick look at the standards-based grading scale:

LevelDescription
4Exceeds Standards
3Meets Standards
2Approaching Standards
1Below Standards

FAQs ❓

Here are the 10 most frequently asked questions about Connecticut’s grading policy:

  1. What is the passing grade in Connecticut?
    • The passing grade is generally a D, which corresponds to a percentage range of 60-69%.
  2. How is the mastery scale different from the traditional grade scale?
    • The mastery scale focuses on a student’s proficiency in specific areas, rather than an overall percentage.
  3. Can parents access their child’s mastery scale reports?
    • Yes, schools provide detailed reports to parents to track their child’s progress.
  4. How often are grades updated?
    • Grades are typically updated at the end of each grading period, which can be quarterly or trimester-based.
  5. What happens if a student fails a class?
    • Students may need to retake the class or attend summer school to meet graduation requirements.
  6. Are grades standardized across all Connecticut schools?
    • While the grading scales are standardized, specific policies can vary by district.
  7. How does standards-based grading benefit students?
    • It provides a clearer understanding of a student’s strengths and areas needing improvement.
  8. Do colleges accept standards-based grades?
    • Yes, colleges understand and accept standards-based grades, though traditional grades are often converted for transcripts.
  9. Can students appeal their grades?
    • Students can discuss their grades with teachers and, if necessary, follow the school’s formal appeal process.
  10. How are special education students graded?
    • Special education students are graded based on their individualized education plans (IEPs) and accommodations.

Resources 📚

Here are some valuable resources for understanding Connecticut’s grading policy:

  • Connecticut State Department of Education: CT.gov Education – Official site for state education policies and resources.
  • Connecticut School Parent Compact: CT School Compact – Provides guidelines for parent-school partnerships.
  • Standards-Based Grading Handbook: CT SBG Handbook – Detailed guide on standards-based grading practices.

Grading Policy for Schools in Connecticut