Next up: a discussion of grading and graduation requirements. There will be a presentation with a few options - hope to reach a decision to move forward. #BoardWatch
I'll share slides as much as I can! 
Want to stick to district values as move forward: want to leverage relationships, hold importance of heart, connection over content #BoardWatch
From Distance Learning Plan: framework must meet students where they are
If students do not have access, will not hold them accountable for distance learning
Think that issuing traditional letter grades might be challenging. Pass/no pass might be more responsive to need. Current guidance is here (no formal decision made yet)
Some resources SFUSD has been drawing from
UC has suspended letter grade requirements for A-G courses completed in the spring.
Thinking about grading through 2 lenses Tk-5 and 6-12.
These slides are showing various possible options for each grade range. Here are ideas for 6-12 grades.
Public comment now on this item: Alida Fisher from CAC for special education.
For students who learn differently takes on a whole other level in distance learning, particularly when there are less services for these students. Curious about "opportunities to make up in the fall?"
For students who learn differently takes on a whole other level in distance learning, particularly when there are less services for these students. Curious about "opportunities to make up in the fall?"
Public comment: also have concerns about "making up in the fall" - access issues will continue. Not really holding students harmless. Stressful to think about having to make up in the fall. Don't think it is a good option for our learners.
Public comment: students facing expulsion don't have access to any services. Want to advocate for clarifying that those facing expulsion issues in our district should be entitled to contact and support from school. Same for those who are leaving incarceration.
Public comment: Susan Solomon from UESF hears concerns about incomplete and wants to offer UESF's commitment to address needs of students who might end up with an incomplete. #BoardWatch
Public comment: parent at Ruth Asawa and Lowell shouts out to those schools. Wants to weigh in on grading for HS - natural right thing is to offer an A to students to keep them competitive, but would like to hear from students. #BoardWatch
Public comment: parent says some teachers have told student that certain classes are pass/no pass - maybe have jumped the gun? Want to make sure the decision applies uniformly -or up to student, not up to teachers.
Public comment: teacher at Lowell advocates for either giving an A or offering an incomplete. This happened to them - nobody signed up for this. Incomplete vs fail is same conversation, how can we fail them for a pandemic that happened to them.
Public comment: question about students who are in credit recovery. How would they be affected by this?
Public comment is over, now is time to hear from student delegates and commissioners. Student delegate is noting values SFUSD is promoting in slides. As students cannot make own meetings to collaborate. When learning, also learn from peers. Can students make own groups?
Chief Dodd notes that function is turned off for security reasons. Are looking at some other options - maybe differentiated by grade levels. Also looking at other tools like Google Meet. Private Zoom accounts have time restriction
Student Delegate Herrera appreciates efforts, but doesn't feel like this is effective. Not a way of learning especially for those who come from low economic backgrounds.
Herrera knows there are a lot of students struggling with knowing if they will be able to pass, if they will have graduation, if they can complete HS. Have not received any information and neither have our families. #BoardWatch
Commissioner Norton asks delegates Herrera and Sandoval their opinion on what a fair policy would be. Herrera responds that everyone should be passed. #BoardWatch
Student delegate Sandoval agrees, but also sees concerns about de-incentivising students to participate in distance learning
Commissioner Norton says she thinks she agrees. This is an unprecedented situation. Ultimately, if someone has access to technology and teaching and chooses not to be engaged, that is on them. That student is hurting themselves. #BoardWatch
Commissioner Lopez is concerned about subjectivity of grades. Think pass option is good especially since have guidance from UC. #BoardWatch
Lopez: Want to make sure all teachers are sending the same message about grades #BoardWatch
Commissioner Lam: need to communicate quickly with what this means for graduating seniors. Questions about next year - how would we know where each student is academically and whqt will educators need? Proponent of giving "A"s. #BoardWatch
Commissioner Collins notes that college admissions officers will view this semester as a wash. Why not just give students "A"s. #BoardWatch
Collins notes: will need to pay attention in the fall, but in some ways this is always happening - kids coming in as English learners, behind for other reasons - need to differentiate. #BoardWatch
Collins wonders about maybe expanding distance learning over the summer to give kids additional supports to make up for some of the lost direct instruction.
Superintendent Matthews says the downside of "A" or fail is that UCs have said they will accept grades A-F or pass/fail. Palo Alto was going to do A or fail, and UC wouldn't accept that. #BoardWatch
President of UESF weighs in. Stand in support of giving students "A"s. Members think we should be in favor of doing no harm to students. #BoardWatch
Commissioner Sanchez thinks students should get to choose their letter grade. Commissioner Collins points to research that this may be inequitable. #BoardWatch
Commissioner Norton wonders if UCs give guidance on whether the system can vary within the district. Superintendent Matthews says we would need one system in the district.
Student Delegate Sandoval thinks that complying with what UC system approves is important to students - matters. Delegate Herrerra notes that relationships with teachers are varied - don't like idea of choosing own grade.
Superintendent Matthews has been in conversation with other large districts. They believe it would do more harm to not put them on playing field with other students. Have all moved towards pass/no pass because of UC/CSU requirements. #BoardWatch
Legal council also notes that giving all As is not officially approved option by California Department of Education. No other district has done this and don't know what impact it would have on students. #BoardWatch
Commissioner Cook notes that probably less than 50% of students will be enrolling in 4 year school. Trying to understand what percentage of students will be impacted by entry requirements.
Commissioner Moliga wonders about private colleges? Legal council Hauck says it is about integrity of SFUSD's grades. Chief Sanderson says most schools seem supportive of pass/no pass.
Commissioner Collins says grades are already not standardized. This is not a time for us to act normally.
Commissioner Norton thinks we should do research with CDE to make sure not unintentionally disadvantaging students. Notes families of 7th graders will be wondering how this impacts Lowell admissions
Delegate Herrera wants to know if this is just for seniors or for the whole system? Matthews notes it is for the whole system
Commissioner Lam suggests checking in with Learning Policy Institute on recommendations. Deputy Chief Ford-Morthel notes suggestion from another consortium is Pass/Incomplete. #BoardWatch
Initial suggestion for MS is to give all "A"s and for ES to do narrative only. #BoardWatch
