No Senior Final Exams: Paulding Schools Coronavirus Grading Plan

DALLAS, GEORGIA — The Paulding County School District announced a revised grading system Wednesday for its students, emphasizing that nobody’s grades will be hurt by the at-home learning forced by the coronavirus pandemic.

One change is the elimination of a rite of passage high-school seniors won’t miss: There will be no final exams.

The new grading plan follows guidelines issued by the Georgia Department of Education (GDOE) and mirrors similar changes throughout the state. “We believe our grading plan is supportive of our students and addresses student and parent concerns arising during these difficult times.” said Superintendent Brian Otott.

Get the latest updates on the new coronavirus in Georgia as they happen. Sign up for free news alerts and a newsletter in your Patch town.

Among the standards' highlights:

• Following state guidance, “digital instruction opportunities will not adversely impact students’ grades.”
• Middle- and high-school students can only have their grades raised, not lowered, from what they were March 13 for digital-learning work submitted since March 16.
• Teachers will not be taking daily attendance, but they will be "monitoring which students are participating" and reach out to help those who aren’t finishing assignments.

Visit the Paulding County School District’s website for specific information on grade standards. For information on the state’s guidelines, visit the GDOE website.

RELATED:

• GA Unemployment Claims Reach Record High In March: Coronavirus
• GA Coronavirus: Testing Now Offered By Local Health Departments