OSPI issues guidance on grading for school districts

OLYMPIA, Wash.-- On Tuesday, State Superintendent Chris Reykdal released guidance to school districts in Washington on how school districts should address grading for the remainder of the school year.

In a YouTube video, Reykdal said each student must receive either a letter grade or an incomplete, and that there will be no failing grades assigned.

“We really want to balance this idea that students will continue to have the opportunity to earn a grade or improve their grade with the fact that it’s really state law that gives teachers the ability to evaluate student learning against standards. School Districts ultimately need to decide their grading policy within the framework we’ve created.”

Students who get an incomplete can make up the class during the summer, the following year, online, or in an independent study.

Reykdal says transcripts will include a designation that the student's grades were earned during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Let’s take this as a moment to have a deep breath together, to focus on standards very specifically, to evaluate student success right now and their ability to be successful at the next level. And let’s make sure we get all of our students moved forward.”

Reykdal also thanked parents for their hard work and encouraged students and teachers to remain engaged with learning and noted that their decision tried to balance the needs of everyone.