5400 - STUDENTS - SATISFACTORY COMPLETION - ELEMENTARY
GRADES K-6
The following guidelines and standards have been established to insure a meaningful elementary education for each student to help prepare them for advancement to the middle school.
SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION
- A sequence of basic minimum competency skills shall be taught at each grade level to insure the successful completion of the elementary grades.
- In order for a student to be considered eligible for promotion to the next succeeding grade, except for those students officially classified as disabled and whose disability will have a direct bearing, the student shall have completed and mastered basic elemental skills in reading, writing, spelling and math.
The Board realizes that as students progress through the grades, the grade level spread in any given class or age group increases rather than decreases. Therefore, every attempt will be made to remediate specific skill deficits at each grade level in an attempt to insure that students will be no less than one and one-half years below the student's academic potential at the beginning of the next grade.
TESTING
Disclosure of test results and other progress reports will be made to parents or legal guardians and other legally appropriate persons. Parent/teacher conferences will be held once during each school term to provide in-depth information to the parties concerned.
- Each student will be evaluated on the basis of criterion-referenced tests in reading and math.
- Teacher constructed tests and teacher evaluation of progress will be used to evaluate individual success in all other areas.
- The reading tests will cover decoding skills and the ability to comprehend the material read.
- The math tests will evaluate computation skills and problem solving ability.
- Other areas in the communication skills to be evaluated will include spelling and writing.
The student will show progress commensurate with his or her potential at each grade level in the ability to write and spell correctly, previously identified words from specific word lists, write sentences, paragraphs. The student will also be able to compose a story or report of several paragraphs using correct literary style on or before promotion to the middle school.
ATTENDANCE
- Students will maintain acceptable attendance during school years. Sufficient attendance shall be required to provide opportunity for students to receive the educational benefits of extensive class discussions and interaction with others.
- Teachers will report to the principal any student who is not maintaining an acceptable attendance standard.
- The principal will investigate the reason for excessive absenteeism and make every attempt to correct violations.
- If in the opinion of the principal the student's attendance record is so poor as to have hindered the student's educational program and progress, the principal may recommend retention at that grade level.
Promotion or retention should be made on the basis of the placement that promises to best serve the welfare of the individual student after consideration of all available information and factors.
Some factors that will be considered in placing a student are his or her academic achievement, chronological age and mental ability, social and emotional adjustments, physical characteristics and individual progress.
If after a complete and thorough evaluation the student is judged to have failed to make satisfactory progress and is in need of further remediation and the regular classroom teacher and principal agree that the student would benefit educationally, retention shall be recommended.
ELEMENTARY RETENTION
The principal is directed to examine all records and recommend promotion or retention as deemed best for the individual student. If retention is the placement selected, the principal will take the following steps:
- Request a written report from the regular classroom teacher(s). The report will contain all information to support the reasons retention is recommended.
- The principal will meet with the classroom teacher(s) with the purpose being to arrive at an agreement concerning the need for retention. A special education evaluation will be submitted for students with disabilities.
- The principal will arrange a conference with the parent or guardian of the student and provide the parent or guardian all information needed and make the recommendation that the student be retained.
- The parent or guardian will have the opportunity to examine all records, reports, and other information as requested.
- The principal will discuss the possible benefits and consequences of retention in a professional and cooperative manner.
- The parent or guardian of the student will be allowed to sign a waiver of retention if an agreement to retain a student cannot be reached. The principal will file one copy of the waiver in the student's permanent record and file one copy with the superintendent's office.
- If in the opinion of the principal the parent or guardian has been negligent or unreasonable regarding a student's placement, and the principal feels that promotion to the next level is not in the best interest of the student, the principal will accept a waiver. The waiver may be obtained by the parent or guardian attending a conference with the superintendent, at which time the superintendent will make the final decision regarding placement.
- Students who have demonstrated competencies in basic skills shall be advanced to the middle school.
- Students who have mastered some but not all of the basic requirements will be advanced to the middle school upon recommendation of the principal after examination of the student's individual progress and determination that the advancement is in the best educational interest of the student.
5410 - STUDENTS - SATISFACTORY COMPLETION - MIDDLE SCHOOL
PROMOTION REQUIREMENTS
| Subject Area | Total Units Required | Description |
| Language Arts | 2.0 Units | 7th Grade English 8th Grade English |
| Mathematics | 2.0 Units | General Math, Pre-Algebra, Algebra |
| History | 2.0 Units | 7th Grade Utah History 8th Grade American History |
| Science | 2.0 Units | 7th Grade Earth/Life Science 8th Grade Physical Science/Chemistry |
| T.L.C. (Technology, Life Skills & Careers) |
2.0 Units | Technology, Life Skills & Careers, Computer/Business Skills, Shop/Marketing Skills |
| Health & P.E. | 2.0 Units | 7th Grade Quest (Health), PE 8th Grade Health, PE |
| Fine Arts / Electives | 3.0 Units | 1.5 units 8th Grade; 1.5 units 7th Grade |
| Total Units Required for Promotion = 15.0 | ||
MIDDLE SCHOOL CREDIT RETRIEVAL
Conditions, which apply to middle school credit retrieval, are as follows:
- To avoid student failure, teachers shall issue periodical progress reports to students and make themselves available to assist students after school within contract hours. In addition, parents shall be formally notified of student progress at mid-term through Parent-Teacher Conferences. At this time, parents shall be encouraged to work closely with the school to assist the student in passing the course(s) in jeopardy.
- No credit shall be given for failed courses. However, credit may be regained by completing any of the following requirements:
A. Enrollment in Credit Make-up Class - Conducted by a licensed teacher after regular school hours, the class shall be convened for a one and one half-hour session, three days a week. Enrolled students shall be given a trimester-packet of work in the failed subject. Upon satisfactory completion of the work, the student shall be issued credit for the course and given a grade. The cost for enrolling in the class is $25 to $50 per packet. This fee shall go directly toward paying for the services of the certified teacher beyond contracted time. If a student does not complete the packet in one trimester, no credit shall be given. Students may elect to pay the fee and enroll in a second trimester of credit make-up. Students with multiple failing grades can complete more than one packet per trimester and appropriate credit will be issued for the number of packets completed.
B. Home-Tutored Supervision of Credit Make-up - Parents may elect to hire a tutor for home supervision of trimester packet work. The school shall issue packets to parents at a cost of $50 per packet. When the student completes a packet, the parent shall return the packet to school for evaluation. Upon successful completion of the work, the student shall be issued credit for the course and be given a grade. Fees shall go directly toward staff time and materials for packet preparation and evaluation of completed work by a certified staff member.
C. Summer School - Based upon the condition that summer school is offered, a student having no more that four-trimester "F" grades (2.0 credits) may elect to enroll. The enrollment fee for summer school shall be set at the end of the school year. A student enrolling in summer school shall be offered 7th or 8th grade packets. Upon successful completion of the packet(s), the student shall be issued credit for the course and be given a grade to replace the failed courses.
D. Retention - Based on current educational research, this option is the last supported by the School District. Should a student be unsuccessful in completing his/her credits by August of the new school year, he/she shall be re-enrolled as a full time student at the grade level in which the student lacks credit.
- Special Education students under the stipulation of an Individual Education Program (IEP), or students under the stipulation of a 504 Plan, shall be required to meet the stipulations of their plans to earn course credit. The IEP or 504 team shall determine advancement for these students.
- Situations involving students, who experience extreme physical or mental duress during the school year, shall be considered on a case-by-case basis. The Division of Child and Family Service, Four Corners Mental Health, or a qualified physician may submit letters requesting advancement to the next grade level. The school's Child Study Team for a determination of the student's educational status shall review such requests.
5420 - STUDENTS - SATISFACTORY COMPLETION - HIGH SCHOOL
GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
| Subject Area | Total Units Required | Description |
| Language Arts | 4.0 Credits |
|
| Social Studies | 3.0 Credits |
11th Grade - U.S. History; 12th Grade - Government |
| Mathematics | 2.0 Credits 3.0 Credits - 2011 |
Algebra 1, Geometry 1 credit from approved list |
| Science | 2.0 Credits 3.0 Credits - 2011 |
Biology, Earth Science, Chemistry, Physics |
| Physical Education | 1.5 Credits |
11th Grade - Lifetime Activities, Weight Training or PE waiver |
| Health | .5 Credit | |
| Fine Arts | 1.5 Credits | |
| Informational Technology | .5 Credit |
|
| Financial Literacy | .5 Credit | |
| Career & Technical Education | 1.0 Credits |
|
|
|
||
|
|
||
|
|
||
CONCURRENT ENROLLMENT CREDIT
Grand County School District students who meet the District's academic qualification may use approved classes taught by State of Utah higher education institutions as concurrent enrollment towards high school graduation requirements.
The School District will reimburse the institution for the cost of those classes up to the amount that the State of Utah reimburses Grand County School District. For example, classes taught during the regular school day on the high school campus by high school staff, college staff, or delivered over the EdNet. The School District will also allow other than regular school hours sessions of concurrent enrollment if there is compensation by the university.
If the graduation and SEOP needs of the student are being met by the School District, the student will pay for classes for which the State does not reimburse the School District. For example, courses delivered off the high school campus, usually at the Higher Education Center, may be included towards the student's graduation requirements when evidence of successful completion is presented to the school counselor.
Grand County School District will not reimburse to a higher education institution if a student fails a class, drops out or withdraws after withdrawal penalties are applied. Institutions will be responsible for seeking class costs.
Students will be responsible for associated school fees and books costs.
GUIDELINES FOR CONCURRENT ENROLLMENT
In order to support students who wish to be concurrently enrolled in both high school and a college or university the following guidelines are provided.
A high school junior or senior may take college or university courses with the appropriate pre-requisite courses and grades. Seniors must have a 3.0 cumulative grade point average. Juniors must have a 3.5 grade point average, unless a higher grade point is required by an individual college or university. Students who do not have the required grade point may ask three other teachers to review their circumstance and make a recommendation to the school administrator regarding registration in college or university courses. Also, students in special situations may be allowed to attend the Higher Ed Center with the High School Counselor’s approval if the cause is determined to meet a need that cannot be met at the High School site, and compensation to the School District is available.
The student is responsible for matriculation fees. The District is responsible to pay only for successfully completed course(s) for which the State of Utah reimburses Grand County School District. The student will attend class in accordance with attendance policies of the high school. Should the student withdraw after the date for withdrawal has been announced, the student or his or her parents will be responsible for the cost of the course.
Courses generating 3 semester college credits will equal one year of high school credit.
All seniors taking English 101 will be required to take a semester of AP English. A student with a 3.5 grade point average, or one who has earned A's in Honors English the previous year, will be allowed to take English 101 from the college or university in lieu of the other semester of English 12. Students with a grade point average below 3.5 will be expected to take English 12 at GCHS. In special circumstances a student may petition to take English 101.
GRADING FOR CONCURRENT ENROLLMENT CLASSES
Grades in concurrent enrollment classes will be recorded on the high school transcript and figured in to the student's high school transcript and cumulative GPA.
GUIDELINES FOR REPEAT CLASSES
Should a student fail regular high school classes, the following conditions apply. The student who fails a class may repeat it at current cost per trimester. A student may make-up the credit by taking a correspondence course or through the Arches Education Center's high school completion course. The cost of the correspondence class(es) or Arches program will be borne by the student or his or her parents.
Should a student with a disability fail a regular high school class because of his or her disability, the charge for repeating the class will be waived.
For those students who retake a college class, when the new grade is earned, it will replace the old grade and alter their GPA.
AUTHORITY TO WAIVE SPECIFIC UNITS
Upon recommendation of the principal, and within the minimum twenty-six (26) units, the superintendent may waive specific requirements other than those legislated by state statutes when it is deemed necessary to meet the needs of individual students.
CREDITS & RECORDS TRANSFERS
The District shall accept all credits earned toward state graduation requirements by students in accredited Utah public schools and in accredited non-public schools, including credits earned in accredited summer school programs. Credits earned at non-accredited schools may be accepted at the accredited school's discretion. Accreditation shall be effective for purposes of this part if done by the Utah State Board of Education for non-public schools, or if done by the Utah State Board of Education or the Northwest Association of Schools and Colleges for public schools.
PLACEMENT OF TRANSFERS
Records and transcripts of students from non-public schools or from out of state shall be evaluated, and students shall be placed promptly in appropriate classes and appropriate credit(s) awarded.
Students transferring in from another school prior to completing a quarter or semester may have credit transferred under the following guidelines:
- Credit may be given at the discretion of the high school principal by using withdrawal grades from the transferring school and awarding units of credit as determined by the time the student has spent earning credit in the prior school.
- Credit may be transferred as outlined above if the student has not missed ten or more days in making the transfer.
Grand County High School is a four (4) year high school including grades nine through twelve (9-12); therefore, students are expected to successfully complete and be in attendance for twelve (12) full trimesters. However, students may graduate after completion of eleventh grade after earning the appropriate number of credits as outlined for graduation from grade twelve. The required unit of 12th grade English may be replaced with another applicable course on approval of the building administrator. Students planning on early graduation must have their courses approved by the principal as early as possible, preferably at the beginning of grade nine.
All other attendance requirements adopted by the Grand County School Board of Education will remain in force.
The Board of Education may waive attendance requirements in special cases, not covered by the SEOP, upon recommendation of the superintendent and staff.
CLASS REGISTRATION
- Grand County High School provides a five (5) period instructional day. Every student must enroll in five (5) periods per day.
- The principal may schedule a release period at other times of the day, if appropriate, on an individual basis.
- Release time for off campus religious instruction will be scheduled on an individual basis by the principal.
- Students in grades 9-11 must be enrolled in at least three (3) basic subject areas (English, math, science, and social studies) during each year of attendance at Grand High School. Seniors may be enrolled in those classes needed for completion of graduation requirements.
- Students will be registered as freshmen, sophomores, juniors, or seniors based on the number of credits earned at the close of each school year.
A. Eighth grade students completing the approved program of studies at the middle school shall be classified as freshmen (9th grade students) during the next school year.
B. Students who have earned six (6) units of credit during their freshman year will be classified as sophomores during the next school year.
C. Students who have earned at least twelve (12) units of credit during their freshman and sophomore years will be classified as juniors during the next school year.
D. Students who have earned at least eighteen and one half (18.5) units of credit during their freshman, sophomore and junior years will be classified as seniors during the next school year.
E. Students who have not earned eighteen and one half (18.5) units of credit during the three (3) previous years (freshman, sophomore, junior) will not be classified as seniors and will not be considered candidates for graduation.
F. Extension courses, summer school credit, or other appropriate consideration used to satisfy credit deficiencies may be approved by the principal for reclassification, or normal progress toward high school completion and graduation.
TRACKING AND RECORD KEEPING
- A tracking and record keeping system for each student has been designed and developed and is kept on file. Records will be updated as needed.
- The tracking system begins at the first year of the middle school (7th grade) and continues until culmination of the senior high school program.
- Keeping records on the individual student is a function of advisors and the building principal.
REPORTING TO PARENTS
Test results and status of student progress will be available to parents or guardians and other legally appropriate persons.
TYPES OF DIPLOMAS AND CERTIFICATES
Students who have met all of the requirements for graduation as approved by the Grand County Board of Education, will receive a diploma according to Utah State Administrative Rule R277-705.
GRADUATION/SEPARATION ACTIVITIES
Only those students receiving a regular High School Diploma or a Certificate of Progress or Completion per his or her IEP will be allowed to participate in the graduation or separation activities.
Adopted: 6/22/94; Revised: 10/28/98; Revised: 12/16/98; Revised: 11/17/99; Revised 12-18-02; Revised 09-21-05; Revised 06-18-07
GRAND COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT * Moab, Utah
5430 - STUDENTS - SATISFACTORY COMPLETION - REPORTING TO PARENTS
PHILOSOPHY
The Board believes that good communication between parent and teacher is important in the educational process.
With this in mind, the Board believes that the reporting contacts between parent and teacher should be varied and frequent. All forms and methods of communications, such as parent/teacher conferences, mail, telephone, and school visitation by parents will be utilized.
The progress report should reflect the educational growth of the pupil in relationship to his ability and achievement.
The purposes of reports shall be:
1. to inform parents and the student of the achievement made by the student;
2. to help the student, parents, and teacher work cooperatively for the student's improvement through closer understanding or the work of the school; and
3. to improve the quality of instruction by realizing the student's needs.
REPORTING OF STUDENT PROGRESS
The school shall use three methods of reporting achievement and progress to parents and students.
ELECTRONIC REPORTS - SIS
Parent/Student Access to Grades and Progress Reports
1. Teachers in grades K-12 will provide secure access by parents and students to student grades and progress reports (Utah Code Section 63D-1-105-2). Access will be provided through use of the School District’s student information system (SIS 2000), copies of progress reports, and notices of “At-Risk of Failing”.
2. Teachers in grades K-6 will update their electronic grade book at a minimum, every other week.
3. Teachers in grades 7-12 will update their electronic grade book each week.
REPORT CARDS
Formal report cards will be issued at the end of each school term. This report is intended to designate the achievement of the student for each term with term averages.
PARENT/TEACHER CONFERENCE
Parent/teacher conferences will be held at least twice per school year and are intended to be an effective means of reporting on a student's efforts and progress. The conference should be constructive. It should be based on records, samples of work, and observation of the student's abilities and work habits.
Notice of Student At-Risk of Failing
Teachers in grades K-12 will provide notice to a parent/guardian when a student’s grade drops below 70% (at risk of failing). For grades 7-12, notices will be reported a minimum of three times during the term. Minimum reporting periods will be prior to midterm, at midterm, and two weeks before the end of the term (approximately every three weeks).
All teachers will document contacts with and notices sent to parents/guardians regarding the above.
EXAMINATIONS
Class examinations should be conducted on a regular schedule and to the extent deemed advisable in the evaluation of student progress and teaching methods. Examinations will be consistent with learning concepts and teaching objectives.
GRADING
The Board recognizes that many grading systems are used in schools throughout the state and nation. It is apparent that no single grading system provides the in-depth information needed or requested by parents or guardians and teachers to insure educational benefit or progress by individual students. Therefore, the administration is directed to use a grading system or systems that best reflect current educational practices and provides the most complete measurement of student progress in a given class or program.
MARKING KEYS MOST OFTEN USED
Elementary
A - Very good progress and achievement
B - Above average progress and achievement
C - Average progress and achievement
S - Satisfactory progress and achievement
U - Unsatisfactory progress and achievement
Principals shall provide the elementary staff with guidelines and required record keeping procedures in order to insure uniform grading among individual teachers and schools.
Secondary
A - Indicates outstanding achievement
B - Indicates higher than average achievement
C - Indicates average achievement
D - Indicates lower than average achievement
F - Indicates failure - results are not satisfactory. Secondary school credit is not given with the letter grade "F".
P - “Pass” is used in classes where regular letter grades are not given. Secondary school credit is given with the letter grade "P".
Adopted: 6/22/94; Revised 12-18-02; Revised 02-15-06 * GRAND COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT * Moab, Utah
5440 - STUDENTS - SATISFACTORY COMPLETION - GRADUATION/SEPARATION
The Grand County Board of Education accepts the responsibility to provide direction and set educational standards for all schools in the District.
Standards have been established to insure a meaningful education that builds on the student's elementary, middle school and high school experiences and results in a diploma or individual performance certificate.
Graduation or separation activities are traditional ceremonies conducted under the direct authority of the Board of Education. Students are encouraged to attend these activities and be recognized for their achievement; however, students are not required to attend any of the ceremonies or activities. The Board may also determine alternate methods of awarding diplomas or individual program certificates and any other awards given for successful completion of approved program standards if deemed to be in the best interest of the District.
Adopted: 6/22/94; Revised 12/18/02 * GRAND COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT * Moab, Utah
5450 - STUDENTS - SATISFACTORY COMPLETION - AWARDS
The Board encourages the professional staff to maintain a set of criteria and procedures for presenting letters or other suitable awards to students for scholarship and distinguished service in any school activity. In all cases, the relationship between the award and the relevant goal or goals of the schools should be pointed out.
The professional staff is authorized to review and approve, or reject, proposed trophies, prizes, scholarships or other awards from non-school donors. Acceptance will require affirmative answer to at least the following questions:
- Can the proposed award be considered free from motives of personal or corporate gain and publicity?
- Are the criteria for making the award under the control of the professional staff, or acceptable to the staff?
- Are the purposes, either implied or explicit, of the proposed award consistent with our schools' goals?