Response to cheating

Durham Public Schools appreciates the supportive editorial, "A Reform for DPS grading," Jan. 20. The revised set of grading policies is a critically important undertaking, and we appreciate the level of support and quality of input demonstrated by our parents, teachers and community partners.

There is one point addressed in the editorial that we would like to clarify. A grade is an evaluation of a student's mastery and progress in a specific subject or area. Central to aligning grading practices is to ensure that such an evaluation is as accurate and representative of the student's understanding of content as possible.

It is important that our students, parents and community supporters are assured that appropriate disciplinary measures will be taken for breach in conduct and behavior. This includes, but certainly is not limited to, cheating.

While we all are in agreement that cheating should be dealt with and appropriately punished, there is an increasing awareness that giving a student a low grade or a zero for cheating does no one any favors.

First, the inclusion of cheating or other types of misbehavior in the calculation of a student's grade is a grossly inadequate reflection of his or her proficiency in a specific subject and it fails to reflect the quality of instruction presented by the teacher.

We want everyone to know that we take cheating very seriously, and that punitive measures will be taken to ensure that the offender is fully aware of the repercussions. These decisions will be developed by principals with the guidance of our Student Support Services team.

The policies recommendation has been a year in the making, with research and input from a Grading Practices Study Group comprising parents, teachers and others. We were grateful for the public's turnout and input at the Jan. 14 Kitchen Table Conversation.

It is imperative that grading is consistent, fair, and minimizes subjectivity among teachers. With everyone's input and support we are convinced that we will develop a grading policy that will accomplish these objectives.

CHRIS BENNETT

Assistant Superintendent

Secondary Curriculum and Instruction

Durham Public Schools