By Janina Manaloto ‘26
This year, the grading policy follows an 80-10-10 format: summative assessment (tests and projects) 80%, preparation (homework) 10%, and engagement (participation) 10%. Though some students view this new policy as a positive development due to the consistency of grading across all their classes, others consider it a drawback since summative assignments carry significant weight.
Students with opposing voices provide a variety of critiques against the new grading policy. Some believe that the weight of assignment types should vary based on the subject. For example, engagement should carry more weight than summatives in language classes since more emphasis is put on overall students’ interactions with the language through speaking, writing, and listening during class. Other students have expressed their stress over this new system. They may feel at a disadvantage if their stronger areas are in participation rather than test-taking. Yet, the impact of summative assignment grades overshadows the other two grading categories to some extent.
Overall, there are varying opinions among students about this new grading policy. As the school year progresses, many hope that the system will promote fairness and consistency in assessment.