Grading Policy

Senate Bill 2033 (September 2009) amended the Texas Education Code to require school districts to adopt a grading policy which “(1) must require a classroom teacher to assign a grade that reflects the student’s relative mastery of an assignment; (2) may not require a classroom teacher to assign a minimum grade without regard to the student’s quality of work; and (3) may allow a student a reasonable opportunity to make up or redo a class assignment or examination for which the student receives a failing grade.”

Westside has adopted the following Grading Policy for the 2009-2010 school year:

  1. The division between major and minor grades for all curriculum teams is 70%-30%. While not mandated by school administration, the Westside faculty has elected to use a minimum of “50” for major grades.
  2. All Curriculum Teams will have the same major grades (quantity, weights, and content). Minor grades will be similar, but are not required to be uniform.
  3. Teachers must post at least one grade to GradeSpeed every week.
  4. Students have one week from being informed of a sub-standard grade to re-do the assignment. The date on which the grade was posted to Parent Student Connect shall be considered the notification date.
    1. If a student fails a daily grade, they are allowed a reasonable opportunity to make it up (without going to a tutorial) within one week of grade notification.
    2. If a student fails a major grade, the student can retake the assessment within one week of grade notification if s/he completes all related make-up work and completes a learning activity assigned by the teacher and designed for improved results. There is only one retake opportunity per assignment.
  5. Students can retake any grade under 80. The higher of the original and retake grade is the only one that counts; they are not averaged. Retake grades are subject to a maximum of “80”.

 

Test/quiz dates are:

Parent Student Connect (PSC) is a new HISD service that allows registered users (i.e., parents and students) to log in to view a student's grades as the data is inputted into the teacher’s GradeSpeed program. PSC also lets you view assignments, progress reports, attendance records, achievement test scores, report cards, and more. Users can also set up "triggers" that send an e-mail or text message if a child's grades drop below a selected average or a student is absent or tardy to class.  Information on how to register and use the program can be found on our Parent Student Connect webpage.

In addition, Westside High School has a comprehensive Tutorial Program for students both during the week and on select Saturdays. We strongly encourage students to get help early if they are struggling in a class.