Des Moines School District Grading Policy

Des Moines School District Grade Scale

Des Moines School District utilizes a Standards-Referenced Grading (SRG) system to assess student performance. The grading scale is as follows:

ScoreDescriptorExplanation
4Exceeds ExpectationsStudent consistently exceeds grade-level standards.
3Meets ExpectationsStudent consistently meets grade-level standards.
2ProgressingStudent shows progress towards meeting grade-level standards.
1BeginningStudent is beginning to make progress towards standards.
0No EvidenceNo evidence of student understanding or skill.

Example

To calculate the final grade, assume a student has the following scores:

Assessment TypeScore (0-4)
Homework3
Class Participation2
Midterm Exam4
Final Project3

Using the SRG system:

Final Grade Calculation:

Final Grade = (3 + 2 + 4 + 3) / 4 = 3

Final Grade: 3 (Meets Expectations)

Grading Policy

  • Middle School and High School:
  • Retake Policy: Students may retake assessments to demonstrate improved understanding.
  • Late Work: Late work is accepted with possible penalties.
  • Homework: Homework is graded based on completion and effort, not accuracy.
  • Extra Credit: Extra credit opportunities are limited and aligned with learning objectives.
  • Elementary School:
  • Progress Reports: Issued quarterly with detailed feedback.
  • Parent-Teacher Conferences: Held twice a year to discuss student progress.

FAQs

Q1: How often are grades updated in the Des Moines School District?
A1: Grades are updated regularly, with major assessments and progress reports issued quarterly.

Q2: Can students retake assessments in the Des Moines School District?
A2: Yes, students are allowed to retake assessments to improve their understanding and grades.

Q3: How is homework graded in the Des Moines School District?
A3: Homework is graded based on completion and effort, rather than accuracy.

Q4: Are there extra credit opportunities in the Des Moines School District?
A4: Extra credit is limited and must be related to the learning objectives of the course.

Q5: What support is available for students struggling with their grades?
A5: Students can access tutoring services, meet with teachers for extra help, and participate in study groups.

Q6: How are final grades calculated in the Des Moines School District?
A6: Final grades are calculated using a combination of homework, class participation, midterms, and final projects, all scored on the SRG scale.

Q7: Where can I find more information about the Des Moines School District grading policy?
A7: For more information, visit the Des Moines School District website.

Now that you understand the Des Moines School District’s grading policy, calculate your final grade with our easy-to-use final grade calculator!