Our Commitment to Meaningful Grading
In WJCC, grades are intended to clearly communicate what students know and are able to do in relation to learning goals. Grading practices are designed to be accurate, fair, and supportive of student growth. Grades are one part of how we communicate learning—alongside feedback, progress reports, and ongoing family communication.
What Grades Mean in WJCC
Grades in WJCC are designed to:
Across all schools, teachers use common expectations for transparency, consistency, and timely communication.
Retakes, Reassessment, and Learning Over Time
WJCC supports grading practices that recognize learning as a process.
Guiding principles include:
- Students may have opportunities to demonstrate learning after re-teaching.
- Reassessment opportunities are available equitably.
- Reteaching is required before reassessment.
- Timeframes and expectations are clearly communicated.
- The method for recording reassessment results is determined by course or department guidelines.
Often eligible: major assessments, projects, formal writing, labs
Not typically eligible: daily participation, minor practice work, group-dependent tasks, or state assessments
Feedback That Supports Growth
Grades are most effective when paired with meaningful feedback.
In WJCC, effective feedback:
- Is timely and specific
- Is aligned to learning targets
- Identifies strengths and next steps
- Supports revision and improvement
Families are encouraged to talk with students about feedback, not just the grade, to better understand progress.
Gradebook Transparency & Consistency
To support family understanding, WJCC emphasizes:
- Clear assignment titles and descriptions
- Regular gradebook updates
- Consistent use of grading categories within courses
- Proactive communication with students and families
Frequently Asked Questions
Grades reflect what students know and can do based on learning goals and multiple pieces of evidence over time.
Grades are updated regularly, typically at least once per week.
Different subjects require different ways to demonstrate learning, but all follow shared expectations for fairness and clarity.
Elementary: Homework does not count toward grades.
Secondary: Practice work supports learning but is not intended to heavily impact grades.
Often yes, after reteaching and relearning. Teachers communicate eligibility and timelines.
Recording may vary by course, but the goal is to reflect the most accurate level of learning. Teachers will share reassessment information with families for each opportunity.
Talk with your child, review the gradebook, and contact the teacher for support to help pinpoint strategies for improvement.
Feedback explains strengths, areas for growth, and next steps beyond the grade.
Ask about learning, review feedback, support organization, and communicate with teachers. Create an environment that is helpful for studying and encourage students to study before tests and quizzes.
Elementary: teacher.
Secondary: teacher, then counselor/administrator, if needed.
