Grading Policies
Equitable Grading Practices
We strive to develop and implement equitable grading practices that ensure mathematical accuracy, bias resistance, and academic motivation. We aim to create a school-wide grading system that focuses on student learning and supports students in developing a growth mindset relative to their academic performance.
Overland High School has adopted the following equitable grading practices for the 2025-2026 school year, and they are based on strategies outlined in the book Grading for Equity by Joe Feldman:
Minimum Grade Policy: Overland High School has eliminated giving zeros and adopted a minimum grade policy that uses Not Handed In (NHI) 40% as the lowest possible grade a student can receive. Traditionally, schools give zeros to punish and motivate students to perform better. Numerous research studies (Carifio and Carey, 2013; Guskey and Bailey, 2001; Feldman, 2019; Reeves, 2004) have found the opposite is true. Students who receive zeros and low F's tend to become less motivated and often withdraw from learning.
Student Deadlines For All Missing Work: Missing work is defined as any work not turned in on the original due date, regardless of reason. All work for each unit MUST be submitted before the end-of-unit assessment. Formative work will not be accepted after the end-of-unit assessment. These dates will be clearly communicated in each class.
End-of-Unit Assessment: If a student misses an end-of-unit assessment, they have one week from the due date of that assessment to make it up.
Retakes of End-Of-Unit Assessments: Opportunities for students to retake end-of-unit summative assessments will be available for students who have submitted a complete original attempt by the due date. Retakes must be completed by the end of the following unit.
Progress Monitoring: Teachers are expected to update grades promptly throughout the school year to inform students and parents/guardians of academic progress in all classes.
- Students: Please check your grades on PowerSchool consistently.
- Parents/Guardians: Please log in to your PowerSchool account to monitor your student’s grades and progress. IF you cannot access your account, contact the technology department.
School-wide grade updates will take place in PowerSchool on:
- Oct 10 & Dec 19 (Semester 1 grades 2025)
- March 13 & May 22 (Semester 2 grades 2026)