As Idaho schools make steps toward standards-based education, Rocky Mountain High School moves toward adaptation of a new grading system, but not without major bumps in the road.
Now as the semester finishes up, parents are pleading with West Ada School District to save student GPA's this semester.
They’re calling the school out on the improper implementation of a new grading system. It was put in effect this semester, but students and parents say they were not made aware of the change until after school began.
They're also arguing teachers didn't receive proper training, they say the direction for grading is too vague.
That new grading includes: not using practice elements, like homework, in calculating a final grade, not reducing grades for late work, and also allowing tests to be retaken. Then it's ultimately left up to each teacher on how to apply those strategies. Now, parent's are demanding clarity.
“More than just the 4.0 student they had that is now sitting with a 2.1, 2.3. But emotionally, they feel dumb. I've talked to many parents who have said their children, who are coming from great families, situations where they should plan on being successful, feel like they're not smart enough to succeed," says Lori Frasure, a Rocky Mountain parent.
Many parents understand the reasoning behind this new mastery-based education, as they believe it will ultimately provide students with more knowledge on school subjects, they just want more direction on how it is going to be used.
Now as always, there are two sides to all stories. We reached out to the principal and school district and are waiting on their response.
We will have much more on this story tomorrow (Tuesday), following a meeting between parents and administrators on Tuesday at 6 pm at 1303 East Central Drive, Meridian, ID 83642, where they hope to work toward a solution to this problem.
