Three elementary students in a classroom, with a smiling boy in a yellow shirt in the foreground and two girls working at desks behind him.PWCS is continuing its phased approach to implementing updates to grading, assessment, and reporting practices designed to support student learning and ensure coherence across schools.

As part of this process, during the May 20 School Board meeting, Dr. Stephanie Soliven, associate superintendent for teaching and learning, shared revisions to Policy 661 and its corresponding regulations. These updates will take effect beginning in the 2026–27 school year.

The updated practices are the result of a multi-year review and phased planning process that included research, comparison with neighboring school divisions, analysis of current grading practices, and feedback from students, families, teachers, principals, and central office staff. The goal is to ensure clear, consistent, and accurate reporting on student learning and academic progress over time.

As these updates are introduced, families can expect:

  • Greater consistency in grading practices across PWCS schools.
  • Updated grading scales for grades 6–12, including minus letter grades.
  • Clearer expectations for assessments, with consistent weighting by school level.
    • Elementary school: 40% formative (practice and feedback) / 60% summative (demonstration of learning).
    • Middle and high school: 30% formative / 70% summative.
  • Clearer guidance for reassessment opportunities, homework practices, gradebook reporting, and final grade calculations.
  • Continued alignment with student supports and accommodations, including IEPs, 504 Plans, and English learner services.

The updates emphasize mastery of learning standards, meaningful feedback, and academic growth, while aligning PWCS grading practices with neighboring school divisions and many colleges and universities.

PWCS will continue to share information and resources to support principals, teachers, students, and families as implementation planning moves forward. Families and staff can learn more by visiting the PWCS grading information webpage.