Failing grade OK’d for make-up work

• By BOB ARDOIN
• Special to The Advocate
• Published: Nov 6, 2009 - Page: 2BA

• Print
• Email
• Save
• Reprints
• Twitter
• Share

• Del.icio.us
• Digg
• Facebook
• Reddit
• 

OPELOUSAS — The St. Landry Parish School Board voted 8-3 Thursday to allow a 50 percent maximum grade for students who are making-up school work following their return to the classroom after a suspension.

Students who are suspended a second time can receive a grade of no more than 20 percent on make-up work, according to an amendment that passed along with the original motion.

Both 50 percent and 20 percent are failing grades in St. Landry.

Board members debated the issue before voting. Last month the board sent the matter to its Executive Committee.

A legislative act passed this summer gave school systems the discretion of setting their own policies concerning how suspended students are given make-up work once they return to school.

Before voting, two other motions proposing grade penalties that were not as harsh failed to pass. One motion suggested a maximum grade of 67, the lowest grade of “D” that a student in the district can receive without failing. Another motion proposed delaying the matter until central office personnel could review the 50 percent policy and perhaps present another standard.

Board members Elinor Eaglin, Anthony Standberry and Josie Frank and board President John Miller all opposed grades of no higher than “F” upon returning.

Frank said students who realize they will receive a grade of no higher than a 50, won’t be motivated to do make-up work.

“A student will say what’s the incentive? Why should I try?” she said.

Eaglin said students who have been recommended for expulsion and attend the parishwide alternative school get a chance to make up all of their work and are not penalized academically.

Board member Dillard Deville said not allowing students to receive a passing grade on make-up work will send a message.

“It tells a student there are consequences; that I did something wrong and I have to pay,” Deville said.

Irma Trosclair, who represented the parishwide principals’ association which proposed the 50 percent grade, said students will realize they should behave better because there is the threat of losing grades.