Prince George school board reviews proposed grading policy as members clash over late-work rules

Doctor Martin presented a proposed grading policy and accompanying regulations developed by a division committee, saying the aim is to ensure “every grade that a student earns [reflects] what a student knows and is able to do” and to promote consistency across schools. The proposal defines formative and summative assessments and recommends elementary weighting at a 50/50 split and secondary weighting at 40/60, with homework counting up to 10% at the secondary level.

The draft also sets a late-work provision allowing assignments to be accepted for full credit until one week prior to an interim or marking period, requires that grades and performance feedback be updated in the electronic gradebook at least once per week, and asks principals to ensure consistent implementation. Dr. Martin said the committee sought input from teachers, parents and students and described the policy as a compromise designed to replace widely varying local practices.

Board members pressed for clarity on enforcement and the window for late work. Rob Ealy said the late-work language was unacceptable, urging stricter limits and saying, “This is awful. We are not — you don't get to go in real life and have 9 weeks to turn something in.” Other members proposed a tiered penalty system, tighter definitions for interim versus marking period cutoffs, and stronger administrative accountability to prevent uneven application between teachers and schools.

Dr. Martin repeatedly stressed the proposal is intended to be a consistent framework the division can implement and refine: “No one liked this in the room,” he said of the compromise, but added the committee believes uniform expectations are needed. The board did not vote on the policy; trustees asked for written feedback and indicated they expect refined language and additional details about how grade-improvement opportunities will be administered before any adoption vote.

Next steps: the policy will be circulated for board comments and likely return for formal action at a future meeting once the board provides direction on late-work limits and administrative enforcement.