Grading Policies

Oak Forest Elementary School is committed to accurate, consistent, and equitable grading practices that reflect mastery of the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS). Grades serve as a meaningful communication tool for students, families, and educators - not as punishments or rewards. Our grading policies established clear, campus-wide expectations for how student learning is measured, recorded, and communicated. Teachers assess student learning in a variety of ways and grades are based on multiple measures over time such as daily assignments, tests, projects, and reports. 

 

All grading practices at OFE are aligned with: 

• HISD Board Policy and administrative regulations
• Texas Education Agency (TEA) accountability standards
• Best practices in assessment literacy and Science of Reading (SoR) frameworks
• Federal and state requirements under IDEA for students receiving Special Education services

 

Homework

There are three types of homework: extension of skill based practice, interventions, and reflection activities of weekly learning. The purpose of homework is to:

• Develop initiative, responsibility and organizational skills

• Extend learning and provide practice in applying concepts and methods that teachers have presented in the classroom
• Strengthen concept attainment and skill development and students' time to reflect learning
• Strengthen student/parent academic conversations with the parent as a valuable resource for students to synthesize their learning with their home lives.

Guidelines:

• Homework will be given at the beginning of the week on Monday and due by the end of the week
• Students may make up assignments due to excused absences
• Teachers are not expected to provide assignments in advance for absences of any type
• Homework will not be assigned the night before a standarized test, over the weekends or during breaks and holidays
• Homework is used as a communication tool of what is being learned in the classroom. Toward that end, teachers will communicate with parents via ParentSquare, email, classroom newsletters, and/or home folders.

Time Allotments: 

Homework times are flexible and up to the discretion of the individual teacher. Below are the recommended times, on average, that students should spend on homework each night:

• Kindergarten: up to 10 minutes on academic/extension activities + independent reading 10 minutes
• Grades 1 - 2: up to 20 minutes on academic/extension activities + independent reading 10 minutes
• Grades 3 - 5: up to 20 minutes on academic/extension activities + independent reading 20 minutes

If a student has worked constructively for the suggested time frames, but the assignment is not complete, or the child is frustrated, parents are encouraged to write a note to the teacher stating this to address the student's needs.

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The Teacher's Role:

• Communicate classroom policies and procedures to students and parents regularly

• Communicate due dates and directions for completing each assignment to students
• Provide assignments that are directly related to instructional objectives and consider the differences among students so that it can be completed independently
• Provide opportunities for students to ask questions and receive clarification of expectations when the assignment is given
• Review and provide feedback to students. This feedback may include self-evaluation and/or tracking of progress or teacher comments

The Students' Role:

• Complete all assigned work to the best of your ability and submit it on time
• Ask your teacher for help when you do not understand - before the assessment, not after
• Take advantage of corrections or make-ups when offered. Use them as a chance to genuinely understand your mistakes, not just recover points.
• Be honest in your work. Academic dishonesty (copying, cheating, or plagarism) may result in the grade of a zero and referral to the office.
• Come to school prepared with materials and a positive EMPOWER attitude toward learning.
• Communicate with your teacher if you are struggling with an assignment due to something happening at home. Advocates will always be available to help.
• Understand that grades reflect what you know and can do. They are a snapshot, not a label

The Parent/Guardians' Role:

To help children be successful with work at home, families should:

• Monitor your child's grades weekly using the HISD Parent Portal / PowerSchool parent access account. Contact the school registrar if you need your login credentials.
• Create a place that supports studying. Most children do best in quiet, well-lit environments.
• Set aside a specific time to do homework and reading each day. Family routines, including set homework times, are linked to higher achievement.
• Make sure children have the supplies needed to complete assignments
• Be available if children have questions. Parents can support their children by checking over homework and giving suggestions, but not completing homework for them.
• Let teachers know if homework assignments is too difficult or unclear.
• Monitor assignment completion through the use of student planners or PowerSchool.
• Respond promptly to communication from teachers and the campus regarding your child's academic performance, including ParentSquare messages, emails, or phone calls.
• Attend parent-teacher conferences and ARD/IEP or Section 504 meetings if applicable.
• Notify the school promptly if your child is absent and communicate the reason so proper documentation can be maintained.
• Review your child's report card at the end of each six-week cycle and sign/return any required acknowledgement forms.
• Contact your child's teacher first with grading concerns. If a resolution is not reached, contact the grade-level assistant principal