Petition to Amend Loyola's Spring 2020 GPA/ Grading Policy

6 years ago Featured

Having had a very respectful and constructive email exchange with Mr Gorr about the policy this week - we implore Loyola to reconsider and adopt the Hold Harmless aspect of this petition - to protect all students - BUT to maintain its traditional grading scale. Pretty simple really.

Fix this!

A hold harmless policy is the option that is fair to all. It does not punish those who have struggled with online learning nor does it punish those who have pushed themselves to do well.

I can certainly appreciate special considerations for students who may be struggling at this time,  however,  I’m not sure the decision NOT to include this semester’s grades in the students’  overall GPA should apply to all students. My son has shown resilience, resolve and determination that has been reflected in his current grades.  His grades not only reflect current efforts but consistent improvement as he has matured as a more focused and determined student.  This time of uncertainty has been difficult for all of the boys, I am sure. But it has been especially difficult for him has had to adapt to a remote/digital educational platform, deal with racially charged zoom bombing in one of his virtual classes, and his father’s personal challenge of battling the coronavirus. In the face of these serious situations, I imagine some  students may have found it hard to concentrate or lost interest and focus in school. That’s not what my son has done. It sounds to me like many students are working through very difficult situations and have found additional motivation to work even harder to achieve their academic goals. As an engaged virtual student he uses his extra time wisely to be prepared each day.  He has not missed even one assignment since the change to virtual learning and only one prior due to an illness that prevented him from taking a test. His current mid term grades are a testament to his on going commitment to succeed at Loyola.   It has not been easy. He struggled in his freshman year.  He has seen continuous improvement with each passing semester.  I am hearing stories like this from other families. With this in mind, I ask the administrators at Loyola to include spring semester grades in student’s overall GPA. GPA matters. Especially for a juniors preparing to apply to college. If it IS true that schools are taking into consideration the challenges of individual students then a slip in grades this semester can more easily be explained. However,

I appreciate the school’s attempt to resolve the grading situation in a way that accounts for the varying situations of all Loyola students. I believe the Hold Harmless provision could allow for this variance, while still supporting those who do need this semester’s grades to be counted in their cumulative GPA for myriad reasons.

I very much support Loyola including the Spring 2020 semester grades in the cumulative GPA. In addition, I would like to see Loyola reinstitute their previous grading scale, including + and - grades.

Doesn’t really matter for me as I have a senior but I think the underclass men deserve true grades to set them apart !

The new spring semester grading policy is disheartening and unfair to some of our sons. I agree that Spring Semester A+ grades should be reflected in the cumulative GPA. The new policy will artificially lower the cumulative GPA of some students.

We feel that a hold harmless policy would be best practice at this point.

The current proposed policy punishes those students that have been working hard during these tumultuous times. There are better ways to provide a more even handed solution where the disadvantaged are protected and the and those that put in the extra work are not penalized. Many of those solutions are outlined here.

Hard work should always be rewarded.

I support this petition!

Adopting the hold harmless policy is the best way to go! It is equitable for all students and not hurting anyone. For the students who have really struggled with distance learning, there should be the option to accept Pass/No Pass instead of letter grade which will not affect their GPA. It’s a solution many schools are doing.

My son worked very hard this semester, during the Pandemic school work kept him focused and out of trouble. To not count his good grades during a difficult time seems unfair. I do know other schools have dropped the A grade to 88 to help students who have not faired well. But to not count them all together is a great disservice to the boys who have worked hard to achieve good grades and is sending the wrong message if we are faced with online school again in the fall. I would urge you to reconsider your decision

This is extremely important and fair to all the students. Thank you for your careful consideration.

Oaks Christian School is counting grades this semester.

Some days, school and working for achievement is the only real thing left for these boys. During such confusing and emotional times in a teenager’s life, please don’t take that valuable reality away. Instead, praise them for their courage and perseverance by telling them that grades, GPA and working hard DO matter. Whether at home or on campus, school is school. That is valuable to us.

I agree 100%.

This document represents my concerns and provide reasonable options to the school administration. We all want what’s best for the boys. To encourage them and help them succeed is the goal.

My husband and I agree with most of the petition, but request that the petition add the following bullet point: A+ grades that have been earned should be recorded and not reduced to an A, as set forth in the new grading policy. However, we do not agree with the option to Slide the grading scale down. Indeed, that is precisely what the new Loyola grading policy does. There is only a one-point difference between the new Loyola policy and the petition's proposed sliding scale. (Loyola A=87-100, whereas petition's A=88-100). Sliding the grading scale down does NOT help all students. It diminishes the accomplishment of students who actually earned the higher grade. An 87% should not be viewed as comparable to A+ work.