Mastery Learning and Grading

Bloomington High School grades according to the mastery-learning concept.  An earned credit represents mastery of all significant course outcomes.  A student who does not demonstrate mastery of the significant course outcomes is not awarded credit simply because the overall average is passing.  In cases where a student has not demonstrated mastery of a significant course outcome as evidenced by performance on a test, project, or series of graded activities, the student, parent, counselor, and Assistant Principal will be notified in writing of the specific items to be mastered and the specific deadline by which the student must show mastery.  The notice will also specify the consequences if the student does not demonstrate mastery by the deadline.  The teacher may provide this written notice to the student and it will be the student's responsibility to deliver this to the parent.  The teacher can also notify the parent using the computerized progress reports. Mastery may be demonstrated by retests, taking a different test, completion or resubmission of assignments, or alternate demonstrations of mastery.  The typical period of time would be approximately two weeks during which the student would be expected to see the teacher for help as needed and complete the demonstration of mastery. 

If the student succeeds in demonstrating mastery, the teacher may replace the original grade with a higher grade in accordance with the teacher's grading policy.  Makeup work for an unapproved absence or failure to turn in an assignment on time would not normally count higher than a "D.”  Cases resulting from cheating would normally retain the original failing grade.  In these cases, the subsequent demonstration of mastery would permit the student to pass the course as a whole, provided the overall average was passing.

Failure to demonstrate mastery of a significant course outcome by the written deadline will be grounds for failure for the quarter, and in serious situations, failure and loss of credit for the entire semester course.

It should be noted that many courses have a culminating activity, such as a major paper, which occurs at the end of a course and for which it is impossible to afford students additional time.  Such assignments are indicated in written guidelines provided to students at the start of the course.  A student who fails to turn in such a project, or whose work does not demonstrate mastery may receive an "F" for the quarter, or lose credit for the course in accordance with the written guidelines provided to the student at the start of the course.

| Home | About | Activities | Information | Departments | Links | People | Site Map |

Last Updated on July 29, 2004

Bloomington High School, Bloomington, Illinois  61701