ITA GRADING POLICY

Our grading policy reflects our commitment to nurturing the whole child through Torah values and Waldorf educational principles. We believe that assessment should support growth, encourage a love of learning, and reflect each student’s individual journey. Our grading approach emphasizes qualitative feedback, personal growth, and meaningful connections to the learning material.

1. Grading Roles and Responsibilities

Parent Involvement: Parents play an active role in assessing their child’s progress. They may participate in grading, provide feedback, and collaborate with teachers hired to support their child’s education.
Teacher Grading: Teachers hired by parents are expected to follow ITA’s grading criteria, which emphasize holistic, process-oriented assessment methods. Teachers will collaborate with parents to ensure consistency and alignment with educational goals.
ITA Grading Oversight: ITA reserves the right to review, jointly grade assignments, and issue the final grade for core subjects and high school courses. ITA’s evaluation helps maintain consistency with our Torah-based and Waldorf-aligned standards.

2. Grading Criteria

Grading at ITA Home Education is based on a combination of the following elements, adapted to suit each child’s developmental stage and learning style:

Class Participation (for Online Students): Active engagement in online lessons, including participation in discussions, respectful interactions, and contributions to class activities.
Assignments and Homework: Quality and completion of assignments, reflecting effort, creativity, and connection to the material. Emphasis is placed on the learning process, not just the final product.
Projects and Presentations: Hands-on projects, creative presentations, and main lesson books that allow students to express their understanding through artistic and written work.
Quizzes and Tests: When applicable, quizzes and tests will reflect the student's grasp of material in a way that respects their learning style, such as oral recitations, take-home tests, or traditional formats.
Effort, Improvement, and Middot (Character Development): Recognizing and valuing consistent effort, personal growth, and development of positive middot (character traits), such as perseverance, honesty, and kindness.

3. Grade Scale

Our grading scale is designed to provide a clear but gentle measure of progress:

A 90-100% Excellent understanding and application, with strong personal engagement in learning.

B 80-89% Good comprehension, consistent effort, and meaningful contributions.

C 70-79% Satisfactory understanding with room for further growth and support.

D 60-69% Needs improvement; shows basic understanding but requires additional guidance.

F Below 60% Failing; the student has not met the minimum requirements and needs significant support and reevaluation of learning strategies.

4. Reporting Grades

Grades 1-8: Grades are reported quarterly, providing families with regular feedback on their child’s progress in a gentle and encouraging manner.
High School (Grades 9-12): Grades are reported per semester, reflecting the student’s cumulative performance and growth throughout the term.

5. Retake and Re-Grade Policy

External Classes: If a student has taken a class at another institution, such as a college course during high school or at a previous school, ITA reserves the right to require the student to retake the class and have the work re-graded by ITA. This ensures that the course aligns with ITA’s educational standards and philosophies, reinforcing our commitment to Torah-based and Waldorf-inspired learning.

6. Discrepancy Resolution

Joint Review: If there are discrepancies between parent and teacher assessments, ITA will conduct a joint review of the student’s work. The final grade decision will ensure alignment with ITA’s educational standards and philosophies.
Appeals: Parents may appeal final grades by submitting a written request to the ITA administration. Appeals will be reviewed thoughtfully, considering the child’s unique learning journey.

7. Special Accommodations

Customized Grading: Accommodations for learning differences may include tailored grading criteria, focusing on individual strengths and growth rather than comparison to traditional standards.

This grading policy is designed to support a collaborative and nurturing assessment process that values each child’s journey in learning and character development within a Torah-based and Waldorf-inspired framework.

8. Honors Courses

Honors courses at ITA are designed to challenge students who demonstrate advanced abilities and knowledge. These courses feature more rigorous assignments, deeper content exploration, and elevated expectations compared to standard courses. Students enrolled in Honors courses receive additional GPA weight, typically +0.5 to +0.75 points, depending on the subject. Honors designations are noted on transcripts (e.g., "Pre-Calculus (Honors)"). Placement in Honors courses requires prior academic achievement or teacher recommendation.

9. Dual Enrollment Courses

ITA offers dual enrollment opportunities for students to take college-level courses through partner institutions while earning both high school and college credit. Dual enrollment courses are weighted higher than standard courses, typically +1.0 GPA points. These courses prepare students for college by providing real-world academic challenges. Transcripts will indicate dual enrollment status (e.g., "College Algebra - Dual Enrollment"). Eligibility requirements include meeting the partner institution’s criteria and maintaining a strong academic record.

10. Advanced Placement (AP) Courses

AP courses at ITA follow the curriculum developed by the College Board and provide students with the opportunity to earn college credit through AP exams. These courses are the most academically demanding and are weighted at +1.0 GPA points to reflect their rigor. Students enrolled in AP courses are expected to complete the AP exam at the end of the year. Transcripts will designate these courses as AP (e.g., "AP Calculus AB"). Admission to AP courses requires prior coursework, teacher recommendation, and demonstrated academic readiness.

11. Honors Classification Policy for Students with Advanced Knowledge or Skills

This policy ensures fairness and recognizes students who engage in rigorous coursework or demonstrate advanced skills in mathematics, foreign languages, music, and physical education. By designating eligible courses as Honors, the policy acknowledges higher levels of engagement and effort compared to introductory-level coursework.

This policy applies to students who meet eligibility criteria in the following areas:

Mathematics (Pre-Calculus and Calculus).
Foreign Languages (e.g., Biblical Hebrew, Spanish, French).
Fine Arts and Music Performance (e.g., Piano, Violin).
Physical Education (e.g., Competitive Sports or Specialized Disciplines).

Eligibility Criteria

1. Mathematics:

Courses in Pre-Calculus or Calculus are automatically designated as Honors due to their advanced rigor and preparation for college-level academics.

2. Foreign Languages:

Students proficient in a foreign language entering introductory courses will have their coursework designated as Honors.
Placement is determined through:
- A placement test.
- Documentation of prior study, such as certificates or letters from tutors.

3. Music Performance:

Students with prior training or significant experience in an instrument or vocal performance are eligible for Honors designation in introductory or intermediate music classes.
Eligibility requires:
- 4+ years of formal instruction.
- Proof of proficiency (e.g., certifications or awards).

4. Physical Education:

Students engaged in competitive or professional-level sports are eligible for Honors designation in physical education.
Eligibility requires:
- 4+ years of training or competitive experience.
- Documentation of participation in regional or national competitions.

Policy Details

1. Mathematics

Courses Eligible: Pre-Calculus, Calculus, AP Calculus AB/BC.
GPA Weighting:
- Pre-Calculus (Honors): +0.75
- Calculus (Honors): +0.75
- AP Calculus AB/BC: +1.0
Transcript Notation:
- Example: "Pre-Calculus (Honors)"

2. Foreign Languages

Courses Eligible: Hebrew I, Spanish I, and other language courses for students with prior proficiency.
GPA Weighting:
- Hebrew I (Honors): +0.5
- Advanced levels (e.g., Hebrew II Honors): +0.75
Transcript Notation:
- Example: "Hebrew I (Honors)"

3. Fine Arts and Music Performance

Courses Eligible: Introductory and intermediate fine arts and music classes for students with advanced training.
GPA Weighting:
- Beginner/Intermediate Levels: +0.5
- Advanced Levels (Honors): +0.75
- AP Music Theory: +1.0
Transcript Notation:
- Example: "Piano I (Honors)"

4. Physical Education

Courses Eligible: Advanced-level physical education based on competitive or professional sports.
GPA Weighting:
- Honors Physical Education: +0.75
Transcript Notation:
- Example: "Honors Physical Education: Gymnastics"

Rationale

Mathematics:
Pre-Calculus and Calculus go beyond the high school requirement of Algebra I, Geometry, and one elective. Honors recognition reflects the effort and rigor involved in these advanced courses.

Foreign Languages:
Students entering high school with fluency or advanced knowledge of a language have a clear advantage. Honors designation acknowledges their accomplishments and motivates further mastery.

Fine Arts and Music Performance:
Years of dedication to mastering a skill, an instrument, or vocal skills deserve recognition. Honors classification incentivizes students to continue advancing their artistry.

Physical Education:
Students who excel in competitive sports or disciplines demonstrate advanced skill, discipline, and perseverance. Honors designation acknowledges their achievements and distinguishes their efforts.

Implementation Process

Evaluation and Placement:
- Placement tests, auditions, or documentation are required to qualify for Honors designation in foreign languages, music, and physical education.
- Mathematics courses (Pre-Calculus or Calculus) are automatically designated as Honors.
Course Adjustments:
- Honors students will follow a differentiated curriculum, including advanced assignments, leadership roles, or higher performance expectations.
Transcript Notation:
- All Honors courses will be clearly marked on student transcripts.
- Example Transcript Entries:
  - "Geometry (Honors)"
  - "Spanish III (Honors)"
  - "Piano Performance I (Honors)"
  - "Honors Physical Education: Basketball"

Last Updated

Kislev 14, 5785/Dec 15, 2024