Assessment and grading are critical components of the educational process, as they help measure student learning, provide feedback and guide teachers in instructional decisions to help ensure fair, transparent processes aligned with educational standards and goals.

Loudoun County Public Schools developed the updated assessment and grading policy and guidance with input from a variety of key school community members.

• Teachers provided invaluable insights into the practical application of assessment and grading practices, ensuring the guidelines were both feasible and effective.

• Principals, assistant principals and deans contributed their expertise in school-wide expectations and procedures, ensuring alignment with broader administrative goals.

• Instructional facilitators and instructional coaches also played a critical role by offering guidance on best practices in instruction and assessment.

• Students and families also provided invaluable feedback and input through the policy review process, ultimately leading to a handbook that reflects a collaborative effort to support student learning and achievement. 

Teachers and Collaborative Learning Teams (CLTs) are required to adhere to the guidelines outlined in Policy 5030, Regulation 5030 and the Assessment and Grading Handbook (AGH) for teachers. School-based administrators play a key role in supporting the implementation and adherence to the assessment and grading guidelines. CLTs will collaborate to establish common practices where indicated. School administration will review all grading practices/syllabi and grade books and approve them prior to being shared with students and families.