To accommodate for the many new challenges students, teachers and their families are facing during the COVID-19 pandemic, CUHSD has transitioned to pass/no-pass grading for all students in all classes for the Spring Semester.
Why was this decision made?
This decision is based on the guidance released by the University of California system, the California State University system, and the California Department of Education. The decision also included input from staff, students, parents, and other Santa Clara County superintendents.
Why can’t students choose if they want to receive a grade or pass/no pass?
Feedback from a variety of public and private college admissions offices have indicated that if a district decides to offer pass/no pass grades, it should apply to all students and all classes, and not as an option so that the colleges would be able to evaluate all students from a school on an equal basis. For this reason, CUHSD is transitioning to pass/no-pass grading for all students in all classes.
How will this impact a student’s GPA?
This decision will not have a negative or positive impact on a student’s GPA. The GPA will remain unchanged as of the Fall 2019 semester.
What letter grade is considered a pass?
A “Pass” or “Credit” will signify student achievement at or above the D level. A “No Pass” or “No Credit” will signify student achievement at the F level.
Will a “Pass” validate a Math, LOTE or Chemistry (CSU only) course?
Yes. If a student earns a “Pass” grade for the Spring 2020 semester, then UC/CSU validation rules will apply.
Can individual assignments or assessments receive letter grades?
Teachers may continue to use letter grades for individual assignments/assessments but must enter final Spring Semester grades as “P” for pass or “NP” for no-pass instead of A through F marks in School Loop.
Will this impact a student’s ability to apply to college?
Colleges and universities across the country have made it clear that no students will be penalized for posting pass/no-pass on transcripts for this semester.
See below for recent communication from a variety of universities:
- Harvard University provides clear assurances here
- University of California announcement
- California State Unversity announcement
- Community Colleges announcement