Use valid measures of achievement. The CSL found that most legal challenges to policies occur when policies are based on standardized tests whose reliability and validity have been contested. Courts have been consistent in their view that teacher-assigned grades are within a teacher's area of educational expertise. Past court action makes it clear that school officials must make certain that achievement criteria reliably reflect what students are taught as well as what they have learned. At a minimum, this means not relying on a single test score.
Many factors contribute to a student's potential for success.
Include more than minimum competency requirements. Policies are more beneficial when they are oriented toward high achievement for all students. Be clear about how you will make accommodations for special-needs students. All policies should work to ensure practices are equitable regardless of student background or ability. Email Webmaster Tel.