NEW GRADING PILOT PROGRAMS

UPCOMING SCHOOL BOARD ELECTIONS

FAIRGRADE JOINS "FEC"

FAIRGRADE's leadership team continues to meet with FCPS Assistant Superintendent Peter Noonan to monitor the impact of the grading policy changes.  This includes changes to Thomas Jefferson HS weighting policies and the new grading policies' effect on letter grades and GPA distributions. 

NEW GRADING PILOT PROGRAMS

Since Fall 2009, FCPS has been piloting a new elementary school report card at 10 elementary schools throughout the county.  Parents have reported to FAIRGRADE that Glasgow Middle School is also piloting a new grading system called the “Approaches to Learning (ATL) Progress Report.    An FCPS email states, “The report gives students and parents feedback using a developmental scale.  Progress is measure with marks that range from “emerging” (low) through “advanced” (high).  In most areas, most students will be “proficient” because they are consistently meeting teachers’ expectations.”  

FAIRGRADE is hearing mixed results from parents involved in both the elementary and Glasgow pilot programs.  Please continue sending us your input about these new, FCPS pilot report cards so that we can monitor their implementation and public reaction.   Email: fairgrade.fcps@gmail.com

SCHOOL BOARD UPDATE & PENDING ELECTION

We are thrilled to report that FAIRGRADE supporter Patty Reed won election to the School Board for the Providence District in the November ’09 election. 

Another special election will be held March 2^nd to fill the Mason District School Board seat previously held by former member Kaye Kory.  FAIRGRADE advisor and supporter Sandy Evans has formally announced her intention to run for Kory’s seat.  Learn more about Sandy’s campaign at www.evans4SB.org.  

FAIRGRADE JOINS FORCES WITH OTHER EDUCATION ADVOCATES

FAIRGRADE leaders have joined forces with other parent advocates and Fairfax County teachers to form the “Fairfax Education Coalition” – FEC – a new coalition that will use its collective influence to advocate for improved accountability, transparency and community participation in the FCPS’ decision-making process.

Tune into WAMU 88.5 FM on Monday, January 25, 2010 to hear an interview featuring FEC members and learn more at www.FairfaxEducationCoalition.org.

The FEC is a network of informed parents and teachers who are attending every School Board meeting and work session to track FCPS issues that are of importance to parents, students, teachers and taxpayers.  FAIRGRADE remains aligned with the interests of FAIRGRADE’s original mission – grading policy changes – and will remain dedicated to keeping you posted about the grading policy implementation process.   So let us know how you feel about FAIRGRADE’s interest in helping keep you informed about FEC’s findings and analysis.  Email us your feedback at: fairgrade.fcps@gmail.com.

Thank you for your continued support!