Carter County Schools: Implement grading guidelines for remainder of school year, graduation plans ongoing

Published 4:31 pm Wednesday, April 22, 2020

Carter County Schools now have a grading plan in place to finish out the school year.

The decision comes after a virtual meeting that took place on Tuesday to make decisions in regards to work being completed by students in packet and online forms following the closure of schools late last month due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Students will not receive a grade lower than what was recorded on March 20. All work completed after this date will be graded based on completion and will be awarded as extra credit. Work that has been 100 percent completed will result in 10 points, or a full letter grade, being added to a student’s final grade. Work with 75 percent completion will be given eight added points, 50 percent completion will be given five added points and 25 percent will receive three points.

“Everything that we’re doing from this point forward is primarily to try to keep kids, and parents working with kids, working on skills and finishing up that grade point level,” said Dr. Kevin Ward, Director of Schools.

Ward said this grading system applies to both packets and online work. This decision came from wanting to reward students based on what work they completed.

In terms of feedback from teachers on work in the packets, this will be on an individual basis between teachers, parents and students. Those who want help in criterias are encouraged to ask. Ward also said that in an ideal situation schools will take time when school resumes in August to review material covered as well before moving forward.

Packets can be picked up from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays at schools. Teachers will be working with students until May 15. Materials will be returned to schools during the week of May 11-15. Individual schools are working on specific steps to do this at this time. This information will be provided at later dates to parents from schools. This will be the last batch of packets. Report cards are going to be mailed.

Ward stressed to parents and students that working on the packets remains important. He said doing so keeps a routine and builds a fresh mind for the subjects students are working on, as well as prepares them for the following year.

Graduation plans are ongoing. Ward said this is the best time to see how things develop over the next few weeks and see how this plays out, so that a plan can be put in place for the high schools, while following health department and CDC guidelines. Ward applauded the Northeast Tennessee Regional Health Office for their work and guidance.

“What we will do, and what we are committed to do, is honor our seniors in some venue,” he said. “They deserve that. They went 12 years, they shouldn’t be deprived of being recognized.”

Ward encouraged students, parents and guardians to keep working forward.

“I wish everyone the best in terms of staying safe, and continuing to follow guidelines,” he said. “We really care about our kids in Carter County, and our parents and community as a whole.”