As TSD developed our Extended Learning Plan for grades 6-12, we were challenged to create a distance learning structure that would continue to provide every TSD student with a meaningful connection to their education. A component of the plan includes determining how credit will be issued for Semester 2. Recognizing that our students are impacted in various ways by this global pandemic, we strove to create an educational structure for students that did not bear the weight of grades.
As was shared in the initial plan, student grades for Semester 2 will be granted as “CR – Credit No Grade” or “NC – No Credit No Grade.” There will not be any letter grades issued for Semester 2 of 2020. This decision was made after much research, collaboration, and thought on what would be best for all TSD students.
Some students and families have reached out to ask for more clarity on why this decision was made; we are hopeful that the information to follow is helpful.
• TSD secondary students completed approximately 30% of semester 2 courses before classes were dismissed on March 12. It would be difficult to determine valid academic letter grades from 30% of a course.
• TSD students may encounter a variety of challenges during this world health crisis including: o Limited access to devices, Wi Fi, learning resources o Additional household responsibilities including work, childcare, etc.
• The closing of schools has adversely impacted the mental health of some of our students; this also has a direct impact on a student’s ability to perform academically.
• Teaching and learning has shifted to unique methods requiring both students and teachers to engage in ways that have not been practiced and refined.
Additional concerns have been shared regarding student transcripts in the college admissions process. We have been in touch with dozens of colleges and universities who have unanimously shared that a mark of “credit” on a student’s transcript during this pandemic will not hurt the student’s application. Some of their responses include:
• Context matters. There’s no doubt that high school transcripts for this year’s and future year’s applicants will look different. There will be pass/fail grades where there once were As and Bs. There will be tests untaken, chances to improve foregone, and letters of recommendation truncated. But as it always has been at Vanderbilt, context dictates how we read files. And in unprecedented times, context will take on unprecedented importance. You have our pledge that as this crisis evolves, so too will our use of context in the admissions process. But it will never relinquish its central place in our evaluation of the files of your students. Holism has, and will remain, the byword of our admissions process.
• “We know that many students will only be able to present pass/fail grades or other similar marks on their transcripts this spring. They will not be disadvantaged as a result."
• “We understand the policy changes that have occurred at many high schools as educators adapt to online classes and calendar shifts. We will not penalize students with pass grades on their transcripts for this period. We will accept pass grades for college credit when appropriate. Our own students have been given the pass/no pass option for all their spring courses.”
Ultimately, we recognize that this is not a perfect system. We understand that many students were counting on one more semester to help achieve their academic goals. We understand that students and families are nervous about what the future will hold. Recognizing that this pandemic is challenging for our entire community, we believe that the shift to credit/no credit allows us all to focus on our priorities – the connectedness and care for our students and one another.
