HSLDA-Grading Guidelines for High School Homeschoolers

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Grading Guidelines Dear Friends,
In our part of the country, the leaves are turning brilliant colors, the air is crisp, and plans for Thanksgiving are being made. Likewise, your family may be busy transforming your home to celebrate the splendor of autumn. In the midst of these preparations, we want to turn your minds to the subject of grading (and we don't mean FDA approved turkeys )!
During the elementary years, many families do not grade their children's work but use other means of assessing their progress. However, once children begin taking high school level courses, it is important to reevaluate the necessity of grades. Even though grading is subjective, the grades your children earn provide necessary feedback for post-secondary school officials and employers to evaluate mastery in particular disciplines. These grades will not only help your son or daughter to assess the progress being made in learning the material assigned, but will also prepare your child for this method of evaluation as he or she takes advantage of different course options (co-ops, online courses, college courses, etc.) where grades are given.
The grades for high school courses become part of your high school records and will be included on your child’s transcript. As a homeschooling parent, you are free not to give grades; however, be aware that you may encounter some problems with those who are used to seeing grades on a transcript, and you may need to provide a reasonable argument for your decision not to award grades. In addition, you may be asked to provide an alternative form of assessment. Some scholarship decisions take into account grade point averages, so the decision to not give grades may preclude your child from being eligible for possible scholarship opportunities.
A question we frequently encounter is, “How do I come up with a grade for a course?” Before teaching a course, it is helpful to decide on a method of evaluation. Will you give tests and quizzes? Will you assign papers and projects? Will you give your child any credit for completing daily assignments? Once you decide these issues, there are several methods you can use for grading depending on what is being measured. For example, tests and quizzes may be graded simply by subtracting the incorrect answers from the total number of questions and then calculating the percentage grade. In the case of grading papers and projects, using the rubrics method is very helpful. This method will also help you clarify to your child how you will evaluate his work. For more detail about various grading methods, check out the grading guidelines on the Homeschooling Thru High School website.
As soon as your child begins taking high school level courses, decide what grading scale you will be using and then continue using this scale throughout the high school years. The consistent use of one grading scale will facilitate the calculation of the grade point average shown on your child’s final transcript. There is no right or wrong grading scale to use; you, the parent, can make this determination. To review how to calculate grade point average and to see where to insert your grading scale on a transcript, we have examples on our website under transcripts.
Finally, here are a couple of caveats to keep in mind when it comes to grades. Be careful not to inflate your grades. Grades should be earned according to the level of mastery of material. Remember, the secret to grading is to provide an honest assessment of your child’s progress and to encourage him or her to work towards the goal of proficiency in that particular subject area. Ask the Lord for wisdom. Yes, grading is subjective and is based on many factors, but feedback is important and grades provide a “well done” or “better work harder next time!” appraisal for your child. Your teen will benefit from the time you take to assess his course work.
Regularly recording grades from tests, papers and assignments will reduce the time it takes you to calculate the final grade for the transcript. If finding the time to calculate these final grades is cumbersome while fulfilling your many teaching responsibilities, why not consider a day off from school each semester for a “teacher grading day”? You’ll have focused time to devote to grading, and your teen will love the day off!
The holidays will soon be upon us, so December’s newsletter will look at ways to bless others and receive blessings in return.
With hearts full of thanksgiving,
Becky Cooke & Diane Kummer
HSLDA High School Coordinators