Pasadena Unified Adopts ‘Emergency Grading’ During Remote-Schooling Period

The Pasadena Unified School District and the United Teachers of Pasadena labor union have agreed on a set of “emergency grading guidelines” during the COVID-19 crisis. Kindergarten through fifth-grade students will receive a “pass/no pass” grade, while students in middle and high school will be graded on an “A” through “D” scale.

The new system was formalized last Friday, April 17, as part of an update to the PUSD’s “Remote Learning Guidelines,” which went into place after schools were closed in the wake of the coronavirus crisis and social-distancing orders.

According to the update of those guidelines, the new grading parameters will cover the period from March 16 to May 28 – though they may be extended to summer school and/or an extended school year, if social-distancing protocols remain in place and remote learning remains the norm.

The guiding force behind the new, temporary grading system, according to the updated guidelines, was “that no student shall be harmed through grading during this time’’ – a point particularly aimed at students whose economic or family circumstances might make long-distance learning more difficult.

That was also a point reiterated by Dr. Elizabeth Blanco, the district’s chief academic officer, during an update to school-board members at Thursday’s remote board meeting.

“We really approached this with an equity lens and no intent to harm,’’ Blanco told board members.

The updated guidelines say the grading system is “an effort to ensure staff and students are equitably supported and set up for success during COVID-19,’’ and they go on to say:

• “The option to lower students’ grades from the last marking period will be forfeited during this time period in order to account for opportunity and access limitations that may be faced by both teachers and students.’’
• “Grades marked on March 13, 2020 are the lowest grade any student can receive during this time. Students who received an ‘F’ as of March 13 will be given additional opportunities to increase their grade if afforded access to their classes and teachers.’’
• “Students will not be assigned ‘incomplete,’ ‘F’ or ‘NG’ grades if they are unable to increase their grade during the Extended Distance Learning time due to their inability to access their education for technology and/or social emotional reasons.’’

One exception was made for Rose City Continuation High School.

“Special circumstances for Rose City Continuation High School take into account that March 13 was the close of their Quarter 3, and the commencement of remote learning on March 16 coincided with their start of Quarter 4. Therefore, students will receive a grade no lower than ‘C’ for this quarter, and receive five full credits per course,’’ the guidelines say.

Some school boards around the state took a direct hand in amending grading policies during the COVID shutdown, but the PUSD board did not, leaving it in the hands of administrators and teachers. 

Dr. Steven Miller, the district’s chief human resources officer, was the PUSD’s point man in talks with teachers, in consultation with Blanco and other officials in the district’s academic sector.

“As we went into the negotiations, (administrators and teachers) were really trying to follow the guidelines … that no child would be harmed in the transition to remote learning and distance learning,’’ Miller told the board. 

During Thursday’s board discussions, board members expressed no strong disagreement with the fact they were not called upon to micro-manage the grading matter. 

“I just completely trust our staff,’’ School Board Vice President Scott Phelps said. “They know that the best way to go is to collaborate with the rank and file who have to implement this. We have to rely on our staff for recommendations.’’

Board member Kimberly Kenne said, “I’m not saying staff should have gone to the board’’ – but she did add, “I still think it sends a more positive message to the community if the board re-affirms this.’’

There also was discussion among board members about whether high-school students nearing college applications might be ill-served by not having a pass/fail option.

“One of the reasons why I wanted to put this item on (Thursday’s agenda for discussion) is because I wanted to make clear to the public – many people have asked why the board has not simply made a unilateral decision in regards to grading policy,’’ board President Patrick Cahalan said.

“Aside from the internal dynamics of the decision, inside the district, it would be a disservice to our students for us to unilaterally decide to switch to pass-fail when many of our graduating seniors may be going to universities or colleges that won’t accept pass-fail.

“One of the things that sort of muddled this issue as a public policy decision for local school boards is, the Cal State system and the UC system both said that they’re suspending the letter-grade requirements for juniors and seniors – but that doesn’t apply to sophomores who are currently in school. … But just because Cal State and UCLA say we will accept pass-fail does not mean that every other university on the country will.’’

Kenne, however, took some issue with the fact that high-school students – particularly juniors and seniors — were not given at least the option of choosing pass/no pass. 

“I did want to advocate that our seniors and juniors have an option for pass-fail,’’ she said. “Sophomores and freshmen have a greater chance to make up classes, but if students receive a D in a class or they receive a lower mark than they would have, especially if they’re going to CSUs and UCs that aren’t looking at their SATS – their grade-point is even more important. … The pass-fail (option) doesn’t affect your GPA at all.’’ 

Kenne also said, “I understand the concerns for students who are not going to community college or CSUs or UCs. But I do want to remind us that that’s about 10 percent or less of our seniors, and I really think we ought to keep the 90 percent in mind and at least offer them an option. 

“I’m not saying overall go pass-fail, but allow students … (to) have that at their fingertips.” 

Board member Lawrence Torres said he thinks pass/no pass should be allowed “perhaps on a case-by-case basis.’’

“Allowing administrators the flexibility to make these decisions on a case-by-case basis is important,’’ he said.