Green Bay School District adjusts grading system amid COVID-19 pandemic

The Green Bay School Board approved an alternative way of grading students while they navigate at-home learning during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The school board approved utilizing a hybrid model for grading students in 6th-12th grades at its virtual meeting on Monday.

It will allow parents and students to decide between a Pass/No Grade-COVID-19 Closure or a letter grade.

School officials say this option implements a "Do No Harm" philosophy, meaning a student will not get a lower grade then they had prior to March 13.

School officials recognize every child's situation at home is different and a Pass/No Grade COVID-19 Closure would not reflect negatively on the student.

The pass or no grade COVID-19 would go on a students official transcript to give context, but it will not be computed as part of a student's high school grade point average.

Only letter grade will be counted toward honor roll status and for tie breaking-determination for scholarships.

John Magas, associate superintendent for continuous improvement says many other districts and higher education institutions are moving to this model of grading during this time.