Here’s how Bellingham schools will grade students for coronavirus semester’s classes
Update Friday, May 1: The last day for students, except seniors, at Bellingham Public Schools is Thursday, June 18. Seniors’ last day will be Thursday, June 11.
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No high school student will fail the second semester, which has been marked by classroom closures and online instruction as part of social-distancing measures to limit spread of the new coronavirus, Bellingham Public Schools said Wednesday.
Students will either get an A grade or an incomplete, Superintendent Greg Baker said in a statement.
“Our intent is to support all students to the greatest extent possible during this time,” Baker said. “This change applies to all high school credit-bearing courses, and includes students receiving specialized services.”
Baker said an A grade shows that students have participated as much as possible in activities and/or learning.
Incomplete marks will be rare, he said.
Teachers will continue to assign activities and lessons that match current academic standards for each course or subject area, and also provide feedback, Baker said.
No decisions have been made about fall, when classes are scheduled to resume, Baker said.
Baker said school officials have considered smaller class sizes, alternating days for students, and remote learning for some grade levels — coupled with frequent hand-washing and cleaning of shared spaces — if students are allowed to return to the classroom Sept. 2 as scheduled and the COVID-19 pandemic remains a threat.
“Gov. Jay Inslee has not made a decision about next school year, and we will follow guidance and best practices from the state and health officials,” Baker said.
This story was originally published April 29, 2020 at 4:24 PM.
