Grading resolution

Board Approves Resolution Regarding Grading
Posted on 05/12/2020
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Due to the abrupt closure of schools caused by the worldwide coronavirus pandemic, and transition to Anytime, Anywhere Learning which included a pass/fail grading system, during the May 11, 2020, board workshop meeting, the DeSoto ISD Board of Trustees considered a resolution to address district policy EIC(Local) regulating academic achievement class ranking.  Since the current policy does not provide exemptions to weighted grade point averages for use in calculating class rankings, including valedictorian and salutatorian honors, the district needed to either add such exemptions or create numeric designations to spring semester 2020 grades.

EIC (Local) states: “For purposes of determining valedictorian and salutatorian honors, weighted grade point averages shall be based on grades earned in the eight semesters preceding graduation. Class rankings shall be calculated to a point where a definite rank can be established. If students have the same units and grade points, then the numerical grades shall be used to determine the valedictorian and salutatorian.”

All students in DeSoto ISD and beyond have been impacted by school closures and districts have implemented procedures for continuity of instruction to the extent possible with district closure.  To ensure the fair and consistent designation of local honors, the board unanimously voted to approve a resolution to temporarily waive components of EIC(Local) for the 2019-2020 school year related to provisions addressing the computation of grade point averages.  Essentially, these grades will not be included in the calculation of grade point average for the classes of 2021, 2022 and 2023. 

“It is critically important that we do not penalize students for these factors that are totally beyond their control,” said DeSoto ISD Superintendent D’Andre J. Weaver, Ph.D.,  “We appreciate the support from the board in addressing this critical matter.”