Winona Area Public SchoolsBelow is a communication sent to our families regarding our grading policies during distance learning.
Hello WAPS families —
Thank you to the hundreds of you who have filled out our Distance Learning Survey. In case you missed our email last week, you can fill out the survey here. Please fill out the survey before noon Tuesday. The results will be used to alter our distance learning plan to better meet the needs of learners in our district.
One issue that has been brought up by both our families and our staff is grading. During distance learning, we remain steadfast in our commitment to the social and emotional health of our students, families and staff. We also realize that there are unavoidable inequities for our students and families that impact our ability to expect academic work to continue as if they were in our school buildings.
District leadership discussed the input from families and staff and made the determination for grading at each level. The distance learning plan on our website has been updated to reflect the following:
- Early Childhood: The Minnesota Department of Education provided guidance that the last checkpoints taken prior to distance learning will be used for end of the year data.
- Elementary (Grades K-4): There will be no formal grades for the third and fourth quarters. Teachers will provide feedback to each family on student progress throughout distance learning and at the end of the year.
- Middle School (Grades 5-8): For the second semester, both core academic and exploratory classes will move to Pass/No Credit.
- High School (Grades 9-12): The high school will be using the traditional grades of A, B, C, D or F. However, students will not be docked for late work, and work can be turned in at any time. The high school will focus more on summative assessment to truly find out how to gauge student learning without grading everything they do on a day-to-day basis.
- Winona Area Learning Center: The ALC will issue grades of A, B or C. Students earning a D or F will continue with that course until earning a C or better. There are no penalties for late assignments. This is consistent with the grading procedures in the ALC handbook.
These expectations will be implemented retroactively back to March 31 and used until further notice. As of today, Gov. Tim Walz has not extended the distance learning period, and we are making preparations to welcome our students back to school beginning Tuesday, May 5. However, we know that could change, and we are constantly monitoring the latest guidance and updates from the governor’s office as well as the Minnesota Department of Education and the Minnesota Department of Health.
We can’t say it enough: Thank you for your continued cooperation, collaboration and communication during this time of uncertainty and anxiety. If there is anything we can do to support your student or your family during this time, please reach out to us.
Thank you,
Dr. Annette K. Freiheit
Superintendent
Winona Area Public Schools