When is an ‘F’ Grade Not an ‘F?’
Some Castro Valley Unified School District (CVUSD) teachers are expressing dissatisfaction with proposed changes to make standards-based grading using equitable practices, or “proportional grading,” mandatory in all CV kindergarten to Grade 12 classes.
While teaching strategies have evolved, traditional grading practices have not. Historically, teachers relied on 0-to-100% grading methods. For example, a score of 90 to 100 meant you got an A. Starting as early as next year, the district is expected to shift to either a 50-to-100% scale or a 0–4-point grading system.
The 50-100% scale would make 50% the minimum a teacher could assign as a grade instead of a zero. The 0-4-point scale puts equal value on all letter grades instead of disproportionately focusing on the top three. Under either grading method, teachers could still give students re-dos and re-takes. The CVUSD Board of Trustees is still debating the issue with significant teacher input. A final decision could take weeks.
A survey of 104 CVHS teachers released last week found 82.7 percent oppose the 50-100% scale. In letters addressed to the district and obtained by the Forum, those opposed to the changes say imposing a one-size-fits-all grading system undermines the complexity of grading.
“As a dance teacher, I find the 0-4 standards-based grading scale effective for assessing skills like technique, choreography, and performance,” CVHS teacher Britney Brown wrote. “However, in my Ethnic Studies classes, standards-based grading lacks the flexibility… much of the learning involves critical thinking, discussion, and subjective analysis.”
In general, grades in Castro Valley schools are really high. According to district data, out of the more than 9,200 students, about 6 percent of grades from this year’s first semester were Ds and Fs.
Castro Valley Teacher’s Association (CVTA) president Lara Sepulveda says the union has not taken a stance on the deliberations primarily because the matter has not been fully decided.
“We have been pushing the district to adhere to the policies already in place, instead of adding another layer like these two proportional grading systems,” Sepulveda told the Forum. “It’s hard to explain what an A or B or C means from one classroom to the next because there is so much difference between them.”
CVUSD transitioned to standards-based grading in the 2021-22 school year with a pilot program of around 200 high school teachers. Since then, the district has reached out to families, teachers, and students during Back to School Nights, special presentations, and board meetings.
Superintendent Parvin Ahmadi says the district’s goal for grades is that they accurately reflect students’ mastery of standards. She added that grades should motivate students to improve and encourage a growth mindset.
“We recognize that new practices take time to see results,” Superintendent Ahmadi told the Forum. “We know that staff are in different places of implementation. We have a continuum ranging from early adopters to new teachers starting in the district. As you know, we must constantly build capacity to do this work well and support authentic learning and implementation to support our students better.”
Superintendent Ahmadi said her staff will meet with the district department leaders in the next few weeks to discuss teacher and parent input before updating the board policy and administrative regulations.