Hickman County Board of Education
Descriptor Term:
Descriptor Code:
Issued Date:
4.500
05/04/20
Community Instructional Resources
Rescinds:
Issued:
4.500
02/05/18
1
COMMUNITY RESOURCE GUIDES
2
An inventory of community resource people, agencies and establishments which have potential to
3
enhance teaching and learning shall be conducted for each school and kept current to assist in
4
instructional planning.
5
USE OF COMMUNITY RESOURCE PERSONS
6
The Board recognizes the value of community resource persons in the educational program and
7
authorizes the use of such persons with approval of the principal.
Version Date: July 5, 2022
Hickman County Board of Education
Descriptor Term:
Descriptor Code:
Issued Date:
4.501
05/04/20
School Volunteers
Rescinds:
Issued:
4.501
02/05/18
1
The Board endorses a volunteer program in the schools¹ and authorizes principals to develop a
2
volunteer program for each school.
3
All volunteers must be approved by the principal and shall serve under the supervision and direction of
4
the professional personnel of the school to which they are assigned. Volunteers shall assist professional
5
personnel in the performance of their teaching and administrative responsibilities. They may not teach
6
but may reinforce skills taught by the professional staff.
7
The principal shall identify appropriate tasks for volunteers and shall be responsible for planning and
8
conducting orientation programs and regular in-service training sessions.
9
Volunteers shall serve without compensation.²
10
The principal shall ensure that appropriate recognition of volunteer services is made annually.
11
The director of schools shall develop procedures to require appropriate background checks for
12
volunteers who may work closely with students without much or any supervision of district employees.
Legal References
Cross References
1. TCA 49-6-7001
Visitors to the School 1.501
2. TCA 29-20-310(e)
Version Date: July 5, 2022
Hickman County Board of Education
Descriptor Term:
Descriptor Code:
Issued Date:
4.502
05/04/20
Parental and Family Involvement
Rescinds:
Issued:
4.502
02/05/18
1
GENERAL EXPECTATIONS FOR PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT
2
The board is committed to increasing and ensuring the involvement of parents and other family members in the
3
education of students.
4
The board shall implement the following as required by federal or state laws or regulations:¹
5
The school district shall annually work with parents in evaluating and potentially revising the provisions
6
of this policy in improving the quality of schools. Such an evaluation shall strive to identify any barriers
7
to greater participation by parents (with particular attention to parents who are economically
8
disadvantaged, are disabled, have limited English proficiency, have limited literacy, or are of any racial
9
or ethnic minority background).
10
The school district shall provide the coordination, technical assistance, and other necessary support to
11
assist individual schools with planning and implementing parental involvement activities.
12
The school district shall involve parents with the development of required educational or improvement
13
plans.
14
The school district shall coordinate and integrate parental involvement strategies with those associated
15
with other federal or state programs.
16
The school district shall put into operation activities and procedures for the involvement of parents in all
17
of its schools.² Those programs, activities and procedures will be planned and operated with meaningful
18
consultation with parents.
19
The school district shall ensure that activities and strategies are implemented to support this policy and
20
included in the district plan.
21
The district improvement plan shall include strategies for parental participation in the district's schools
22
which are designed to improve parent and teacher cooperation in such areas as homework, attendance,
23
discipline and higher education opportunities for students.
24
The district plan shall include procedures to enable parents to learn about the course of study of their
25
children and have access to all learning materials.
26
The district plan shall identify opportunities for parents to participate in and support classroom
27
instruction in the school. Such opportunities include, but are not limited to, organizing fundraising
28
activities, volunteering as a field trip chaperone, assisting in the library, computer lab, or on the
29
playground, offering after-school clubs, and recycling clothes.
30
If the school district's plan is not satisfactory to parents, the school district shall submit parental
31
comments regarding the plan to the State Department of Education as required.
Version Date: July 5, 2022
Parental and Family Involvement
4.502
1
The school district shall ensure Title I schools are in compliance with the Every Student Succeeds Act.
2
The director shall develop and implement any procedures necessary to accomplish the goals of this policy.
3
SCHOOL LEVEL POLICY
4
Each school shall submit to the director and board, for review and comment, its Title I school parent
5
involvement policy, which must meet state and federal requirements, including a school-parent compact. This
6
school level policy shall be developed jointly with and distributed to parents of participating students. A copy of
7
these documents shall be retained in the district office and made available on the school's (if applicable) and
8
school system's website.
9
SUPPORT FOR PROGRAM
10
If the Title I allocation is $500,000 or more to the school system, then not less than one per cent (1%) nor more
11
than five percent (5%) of that allocation shall be reserved for the purpose of promoting parent involvement.
12
Parents of students participating in the Title I programs shall be consulted on the use of these funds.
13
FAMILY-SCHOOL PARTNERSHIPS
14
Families and community members should be engaged in the education of students based on the following
15
standards:
16
Families are welcomed into the school community;
17
Families and school staff should engage in regular and meaningful communication about student
18
learning;
19
Families and school staff work together to support student learning and development;
20
Families are informed and encouraged to be advocates for students;
21
Families are full partners in the decisions that affect children and families; and
22
Community, civic, and business resources are made available to strengthen school programs, family
23
practices, and student learning.
24
Legal References
1. Every Student Succeeds Act, Pub.L. 114-95, Dec.
10, 2015, 129 Stat. 1802; TCA 49-6-7001; State
Board of Education, Tennessee Parent/Family
Involvement Policy 4.207; TCA 49-2-305
2.
TCA 49-6-7001
Page 2 of 2
Hickman County Board of Education
Descriptor Term:
Descriptor Code:
Issued Date:
4.600
05/04/20
Grading System
Rescinds:
Issued:
4.600
03/05/18
1
The director of schools shall develop an administrative procedure to establish a system of grading and
2
assessment for evaluating and recording student progress and to measure student performance in
3
conjunction with Board-adopted content standards for grades K-8. The grading/assessment system
4
shall follow all applicable statutes and rules and regulations of the State Board of Education. The
5
grading/assessment system shall be uniform district-wide at comparable grade levels except that the
6
director of schools shall have the authority to establish and operate ungraded and/or unstructured
7
classes in grades K-3.¹
8
The director of schools shall submit a copy of the grading, reporting and assessment systems to the
9
Board before the system is implemented. 2 These guidelines shall be communicated annually to students
10
and parents/guardians.¹
11
GUIDELINES
12
Subject-area grades shall be expressed by the letters "A", "B", "C", "D", and "F", or with their
13
corresponding numerical values.
14
A
93 100
15
B
85 92
16
C
75 84
17
D
70 74
18
F
0 69¹
19
The following high school courses will have weighted grades:
20
Honors English (Grades 9-12)
Trigonometry
21
Honors Biology I
Honors Algebra II
22
Honors Physical Science
Honors Geometry
23
Honors Chemistry
Dual Enrollment College Courses
24
Honors Physics
Honors American History
25
Anatomy
Honors Algebra I
Version Date: July 5, 2022
Grading System
4.600
1
Biology II
Calculus
2
Pre-Calculus
3
Advanced coursework grades will be weighted with additional percentage points to calculate the
4
semester average. Depending on the course taken, the following percentage points will be assigned:6
5
Honors Courses - three (3) percentage points;
6
7
Local and Statewide Dual Credit, Capstone Industry Certification Aligned, and Dual
8
Enrollment Courses - four (4) percentage points; and
9
10
Advanced Placement, Cambridge International, College Level Exam Program (CLEP), and
11
International Baccalaureate Courses - five (5) percentage points.
12
Student Absent for State Mandated Exams:
13
1. If a student taking high school assessed subjects is absent, the student will receive a zero or
14
incomplete. If the student is allowed to make up the exam, he or she will do so during the
15
next scheduled administration. A locally-created exam cannot be administered in lieu of a
16
state exam.
17
2. If a student, taking a K-8 State mandated assessment, is absent or unable to be administered
18
a defined part(s) of any content area or all of the content areas, the student must take an
19
alternate exam approved by the Chief Academic Officer to substitute for the corresponding
20
content not tested.
21
Administration of the alternate exam shall be scheduled by the principal for such a time
22
which shall allow for scoring to be completed before the end of the spring semester of the
23
current school year.
24
Failure to complete the alternative assessment before the end of the spring semester shall
25
result in the student receiving a grade of zero which shall be counted for fifteen (15%)
26
percent of a student's final grade for the spring semester.³
27
Conduct shall be marked as follows:
28
E
Excellent
29
S
Satisfactory
30
U
Unsatisfactory
Page 2 of 4
Grading System
4.600
1
Conduct grades are based on behavior and shall not be deducted from scholastic grades.
2
Attendance records will not be the sole criterion in determining the awarding of grades or the passing
3
of a course or promotion or retention.
4
Plus and minus evaluations are not to be added to letter grades. Grades are not to be changed once
5
recorded on a report card. If an erroneous grade has been recorded, correction must be made on a new
6
card.
7
Grades given at the end of each nine (9) weeks period for elementary, intermediate, middle school, and
8
high school will be determined from daily work, homework, written assignments and tests. The
9
teacher will weigh the value of grades given for various assignments and tests within the applicable
10
period in computing the grade. This procedure will enable the teacher to allow for individual student
11
differences in the grading process. Any assignments and tests required of a student must be considered
12
in the computation of his grade.
13
At the middle school level and at the high school level, grades will be determined by an average of
14
grades for each of the two 9-week periods. The grades given at the end of each nine (9) weeks period
15
shall be the grade earned by the student, as computed by the teacher, and shall not be subject to
16
manipulation, regardless of the passing or failing nature of the grade provided that said teacher has
17
documented verification on file that he/she has reasonably attempted to contact the student's parent(s)
18
or guardian(s) making them aware of the student's failing grade or grades. The final grade of the year
19
will be determined by averaging the two (2) semester grades.
20
The work of a student whose grades are satisfactory but are withheld because of failure to complete the
21
required work shall be reported as incomplete (I). If the incomplete is not removed in the time
22
designated by the teacher, it will then become an "F".
23
GRADES NINE - TWELVE GRADING SCALE AND LOTTERY SCHOLARSHIPS
24
Schools teaching grades nine through twelve shall use the uniform grading system established by the
25
State Board of Education. Using the uniform grading system, students' grades shall be reported for the
26
purposes of application for post secondary financial assistance administered by the Tennessee Student
27
Assistance Corporation.¹
Page 3 of 4
Grading System
4.600
1
Each school counselor shall provide incoming freshman with information on college core courses
2
required for lottery scholarships as well as necessary criteria (grade point average, ACT, and SAT
3
score, etc.) that must be met in order to receive a scholarship.
4
Seniors may apply for the Tennessee HOPE Scholarship by completing the Free Application for
5
Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA is available at the guidance office or on-line at
6
www.fafsa.ed.gov. Students shall be made aware of all applicable FAFSA deadlines and encouraged to
7
submit applications in a timely manner.
8
Elementary school counselors should explain the HOPE Scholarship and its requirements to their
9
students and impress upon them the benefits of making good grades.
10
LOTTERY SCHOLARSHIP DAY
11
Each school year, prior to scheduling courses for the following school year, schools teaching students
12
in grades 8-11 shall conduct a lottery scholarship day for students and their parents. 6
Legal References
1.
TRR/MS 0520-01-03-.05(3)
2.
TCA 49-2-203(b)(7); TCA 49-2-301(b)(1)(H)
3.
TCA 49-1-617
4.
TCA 49-2-203(b)(7)
5.
TCA 49-4-904-907; SBOE Policy 3.301
6.
TCA 49-4-932(f)
Page 4 of 4
Hickman County Board of Education
Descriptor Term:
Descriptor Code:
Issued Date:
4.601
05/04/20
Reporting Student Progress
Rescinds:
Issued:
4.601
02/15/18
1
Student report cards shall be provided once every nine (9) weeks during the school year. The reporting
2
procedure shall be in writing and shall be uniform for all reporting periods during each school year. 1
3
Each report shall be signed by the parents and returned promptly to the school.
4
Student progress reports shall indicate the students' conduct, attendance and academic progress and other
5
information necessary to communicate effectively with the parents.
6
In addition to the regular progress reports, principals and teachers are encouraged to confer with parents
7
on the educational progress of their children. Teachers shall consult with parents of students who are
8
working at an unsatisfactory level or whose performance shows a marked or sudden deterioration.
9
Parents shall be notified by the teacher as early in the school year as possible if the retention of a student
10
is being considered.
11
DRIVER'S LICENSE REVOCATION
12
Any student fifteen (15) years of age or older who becomes academically deficient shall be reported to
13
the Department of Safety for driver's license revocation.
14
A student shall be deemed academically deficient if he/she has not received passing grades in at least
15
three (3) full unit subjects or their equivalency at the end of semester grading.
16
A copy of the notice sent to the Department of Safety by the attendance teacher or the director of schools
17
or his/her designee shall also be mailed to the student's parent or guardian.²
18
PARENT CONFERENCES
19
At least two (2) times during the school year, conferences shall be scheduled in which parents and
20
teachers may discuss any pertinent problems or other matters of concern regarding the development and
21
education of each student. These scheduled conferences shall not use any portion of the 180 days of
22
classroom instruction. 3 The director of schools shall be responsible for scheduling and coordinating
23
systemwide conferences.
24
Conferences shall be physically accessible to all students, parents and/or guardians.⁴
Version Date: July 5, 2022
Reporting Student Progress
4.601
Legal References
Cross References
1.
TRR/MS 0520-01-03-.05(3)(a); TCA 49-6-901
School Calendar 1.800
2.
TCA 49-6-3017
Section 504 & ADA Grievance Procedures 1.802
3.
TCA 49-6-7002
Grading System 4.600
4.
28 CFR § 36.201
Promotion and Retention 4.603
Staff Time Schedules 5.602
Attendance 6.200
Page 2 of 2
Hickman County Board of Education
Descriptor Code:
Issued Date:
Descriptor Term:
4.6011
05/04/20
Homework
Rescinds:
Issued:
4.6011
02/05/18
1
The Board recognizes that some homework by students is desirable and necessary. To be effective,
2
homework shall be carefully planned, judiciously assigned and systematically evaluated.
3
Homework is to be assigned to reinforce and strengthen specific areas of interest and opportunities. It
4
must never be given for punishment.
5
Homework assignments should be made by the teacher in cooperation with the students and other
6
teachers, under the overall supervision of the principal. All homework shall be received by the teacher
7
making the assignment and credit given for the student's efforts.
8
Homework assignments shall take into consideration individual differences of students such as health,
9
ability, conditions of home, and educational resources at home. Homework shall not require the use of
10
reference materials not readily available in most homes, school libraries or the public library.
11
Homework shall not be in continuing conflict for time with the home and other community agencies
12
having primary responsibility for certain aspects of the student's development.
13
HOMEWORK GUIDELINES
14
Grades 1 and 2
-
If necessary, homework should not exceed fifteen (15) minutes per day.
15
Grades 3 and 4
-
If necessary, homework should not exceed thirty (30) minutes per day.
16
Grades 5 and 6
-
If necessary, homework should not exceed ten (10) minutes per subject or
17
forty-five (45) minutes per day
18
Grades 7 and 8
-
If necessary, homework should not exceed fifteen (15) minutes per subject
19
or
sixty (60) minutes per day.
20
Grades 9 to 12
-
If necessary, homework should not exceed thirty (30) minutes per subject
21
per
day.
Version Date: July 5, 2022
Hickman County Board of Education
Descriptor Term:
Descriptor Code:
Issued Date:
4.602
05/04/20
Class Ranking
Rescinds:
Issued:
4.602
02/05/18
1
Students must be enrolled full time at the home base school to be eligible for ranking among the top high school
2
seniors.
3
All grades (excluding those gained after the initial athletic participation grade) earned in grades 9, 10, 1 and the
4
first semester of grade 12 will be counted toward the grade point average and the rank in class.
5
Honor roll students will be determined by standards approved by the principal and faculty of each school.
6
Students who meet these standards, and who do not request otherwise, will have their names submitted to the
7
principal each nine (9) weeks for release to the local newspaper.
8
Each school department or club which presents honors or awards or conducts contests will file with the principal
9
the name of the honor, award or contest; the basis for selection of the award and honor; the method of
10
participation; and the reason for the contest.
11
The giving of any prize or medal or the making of any award by persons or agencies outside the schools must
12
have the approval of the Board.
13
To become valedictorian or salutatorian, or ranked in the top ten, a student must be enrolled in the high school at
14
least four (4) of the seven (7) semesters preceding the final semester. The final semester will not be used in
15
determining class standing.
16
Exception
17
When a new high school is opened in the school system, for the first year, a senior student must be enrolled at
18
the new high school for a majority of the first semester and have been enrolled in one of the school system's
19
other high school(s) for at least three (3) of the seven (7) semesters preceding the final semester, for the second
20
year, a senior student must have been enrolled at the new high school for three (3) semesters and have been
21
enrolled at one of the school system's other high school(s) at least one (1) semester of the seven (7) sem esters
22
preceding the final semester; for the third year, a senior student must have been enrolled at the new high school
23
for four of the five semesters preceding the final semester; for the fourth year and beyond, the provisions of the
24
proceeding paragraph apply. For those students who do not meet the exception criteria, their high school grades
25
(i.e., Hickman County and other school systems) will be compiled for a grade ranking of the class.
Cross References
Grading System 4.600
Graduation Requirements 4.605
Version Date: July 5, 2022
Hickman County Board of Education
Descriptor Code:
Issued Date:
Descriptor Term:
4.603
05/04/20
Promotion and Retention
Rescinds:
Issued:
4.603
04/01/19
1
PROMOTION¹
2
The director of schools/designee shall promote students to the next grade level based on the successful
3
completion of required academic work and on the satisfactory progress in each of the relevant
4
academic areas. However, no student enrolled in the third grade shall be promoted unless the student
5
has shown a basic understanding of curriculum and the ability to perform the skills required in the
6
subject of reading as demonstrated by the student's grades or standardized test results. This
7
requirement shall not apply to students who are participating in a board-approved, research-based
8
intervention prior to the beginning of the next school year or to students who have an individualized
9
education program (IEP).²
10
Students who have difficulty in achieving the requirements for promotion may be considered for
11
retention. Factors used to identify students for retention shall include:²
12
1. The student's ability to perform at the current grade level;
13
14
2. The results of local assessments, if applicable;
15
16
3. State assessments, as applicable;
17
18
4. The overall academic achievement of the student;
19
20
5. The student's chance for success with more difficult material if promoted to the next grade;
21
22
6. Attendance; and
23
24
7. Social and emotional maturity.
25
26
Students may be identified for retention after the February 1st deadline if the delay in identifying a
27
student is due to:
28
1. Date of enrollment;
29
30
2. Additional information acquired after results of local assessment, screening, or monitoring are
31
released; or
32
33
3. Decisions made by a student's IEP team or extenuating medical or psychological information
34
on a case by case basis.
Version Date: July 5, 2022
Promotion and Retention
4.603
1
When a student is considered for retention, the student's parent/guardian shall be notified within
2
fifteen (15) days, and an individualized promotion plan shall be developed to help the student avoid
3
retention. This plan will be provided to the student's parent/guardian.
4
The director shall develop procedures governing how decisions on retention will be made after the
5
student begins work on his/her individualized promotion plan.
6
K - 3 Reading Notification
7
If it is determined through a student's overall performance or a state or local assessment that a student
8
in grades kindergarten through three (K-3) is not meeting grade-level standards in reading, the
9
student's parent(s)/guardian(s) shall be notified within fifteen (15) calendar days of such
10
determination.
11
RETENTION
12
A student may be retained when, in the judgment of the student's teacher and/or the student's IEP
13
team, such retention is in the best interest of the student. However, a student shall not be retained more
14
than once in any grade.
15
If a student is retained, the director of schools/designee shall develop an individualized academic
16
remediation plan prior to the start of the next school year. A copy of the plan shall be provided to the
17
student's parent/guardian within ten (10) days of its development. This plan shall include at least one
18
of the following strategies:
19
1. Adjustment to the current instructional strategies or materials;
20
21
2. Additional instructional time;
22
23
3. Individual tutoring outside of school hours;
24
25
4. Modification to the student's classroom assignment to ensure the student receives
26
instruction from a highly effective teacher; or
27
28
5. Attendance or truancy interventions.
29
The director of schools shall develop procedures to ensure proper monitoring of students who are
30
retained and appropriate recordkeeping.
31
For the purpose of determining the effectiveness of retention toward improving student achievement,
32
the progress of retained students shall be closely monitored and reported to parent(s)/guardian(s) at
33
least three (3) times during the school year in which the student is retained.
Page 2 of 3
Promotion and Retention
4.603
Legal References
Cross References
1.
State Board of Education Policy 3.300; TRR/MS
Credit Recovery 4.210
0520-01-03-.05(3)(b)
Grading System 4.600
2.
TCA 49-6-3115; 20 USCA § 1400 et seq.
Reporting Student Progress 4.601
Attendance 6.200
Student Assignments 6.205
Page 3 of 3
Hickman County Board of Education
Descriptor Term:
Descriptor Code:
Issued Date:
4.605
08/02/21
Graduation Requirements
Rescinds:
Issued:
4.605
08/03/20
1
General
2
The program of studies shall include areas required by the State Board of Education.
3
Before high school graduation, every student shall:¹
4
1. Achieve the specified twenty-four (24) units of credit;
5
2. Have satisfactory records of attendance and conduct;
6
3. Take the ACT or SAT prior to graduation;² and
7
4. Pass a United States civics test. 3
8
Students achieving the minimum twenty-two credits will be awarded a state diploma. In order to receive
9
a Hickman County diploma, students shall obtain twenty-four credits.
10
SPECIAL EDUCATION STUDENTS⁴
11
Special education students who earn the prescribed twenty-four (24) credit minimum shall be awarded
12
a regular high school diploma.
13
Special Education Diploma
14
A special education diploma shall be awarded to students who have not met the requirements for a regular
15
high school diploma but have:⁵
16
1. Completed four (4) years of high school;
17
2. Made satisfactory progress on their IEP; and
18
3. Maintained satisfactory records of attendance and conduct.
19
Occupational Diploma
20
Special education students who do not meet the requirements for a regular high school diploma may be
21
awarded an occupational diploma if the student has: 1,4
22
1. Completed at least four (4) years of high school;
23
2. Made satisfactory progress on their IEP;
24
3. Maintained satisfactory records of attendance and conduct;
25
4. Completed the occupational diploma Skills, Knowledge, and Experience Mastery Assessment
26
(SKEMA); and
27
5. Has two (2) years of paid or non-paid work experience.
Version Date: July 5, 2022
Graduation Requirements
4.605
1
The decision to attain an occupational diploma shall be made at the conclusion of the student's 10th grade
2
year or two (2) academic years prior to the expected graduation date.
3
Students who have received a special education diploma or an occupational diploma shall continue to
4
make progress towards a regular high school diploma until the end of the school year in which they turn
5
twenty-two (22) years old.
6
Alternate Academic Diploma
7
Special education students who do not meet the requirements for a regular high school diploma may be
8
awarded an alternate academic diploma if the student has:4
9
1. Completed at least four (4) years of high school;
10
2. Participated in the high school alternate assessments;
11
3. Earned the prescribed twenty-two (22) credit minimum;
12
4. Made satisfactory progress on their IEP;
13
5. Maintained satisfactory records of attendance and conduct; and
14
6. Completed a transition assessment that measures postsecondary education and training,
15
employment, independent living, and community involvement.
16
STUDENT LOAD
17
All full time students in grades 9-12 shall be enrolled each semester in subjects that produce a minimum
18
of five (5) units of credit for graduation per year. Students with hardships and gifted students may appeal
19
this requirement to the director of schools and then to the board.⁶
20
EARLY GRADUATION⁷
21
High school students shall be permitted to complete an early graduation program. Students intending to
22
graduate early shall inform the school principal of this intent prior to the beginning of 9ᵗʰ grade or as
23
soon thereafter as the intent is known.
24
In order to graduate early, students must meet the following requirements:
25
1. Earn the required seventeen (17) credits;
26
2. Achieve a benchmark score for each required end-of-course exam;
27
3. Attain a cumulative GPA of at least 3.2 on a 4.0 scale;
28
4. Meet the minimum ACT or SAT benchmark score;
29
5. Obtain a qualifying benchmark score on a world language proficiency assessment; and
30
6. Complete at least two (2) types of the following courses:
31
a. AP;
32
b. IB;
33
c. Dual enrollment; or
34
d. Dual credit.
35
The director of schools shall develop administrative procedures to ensure that the early graduation
36
program is conducted in accordance with state law.
Page 2 of 3
Graduation Requirements
4.605
Legal References
Cross References
1.
TCA 49-6-6001; State Board of Education Policy 2.103;
Class Size Ratios 4.201
TRR/MS 0520-01-03-.06
Alternative Credit Options 4.209
2.
TCA 49-6-6001(b); State Board of Education Policy 2.103
Honor Roll, Awards, & Class Ranking 4.602
3.
TCA 49-6-408; State Board of Education Policy 2.103
4.
TRR/MS 0520-01-03-.06; State Board of Education Policy
2.103
5.
TCA 49-6-6005; State Board of Education Policy 2.103
6.
TRR/MS 0520-01-03-06
7.
TCA 49-6-8103; State Board of Education Policy 2.103;
Public Acts of 2021, Chapter No. 493
Page 3 of 3
Hickman County Board of Education
Descriptor Term:
Descriptor Code:
Issued Date:
4.606
05/04/20
Graduation Activities
Rescinds:
Issued:
4.606
04/02/18
1
Students who have met all graduation requirements on the day of graduation and students who are within
2
two (2) or fewer credits of meeting all requirements¹ and can complete the requirements during the
3
summer may participate in graduation activities. If extenuating circumstances exist at any school, the
4
matter shall be presented to the Board prior to graduation activities.
5
Students are expected to participate in all graduation activities, and graduation apparel shall be
6
determined by the administration of each school and shall be the personal expense of each student. Any
7
fees required for graduation ceremonies shall be waived for students who are eligible to receive free or
8
reduced price lunches, and in such cases, the school shall assume responsibility for payment of fees.²
9
Graduation ceremonies shall be physically accessible to all students, their parents and/or guardians, and
10
other interested citizens.³
11
Students who do not wish to participate in graduation activities shall notify the school principal in writing
12
at least five (5) days prior to the day of graduation. Non-participating students shall receive their
13
diplomas or certificates from the principal's office within one (1) week of the day of graduation.
14
Graduation activities organized by district employees shall not be religious in nature. 4 The content of
15
any students' speeches shall not reflect the endorsement, sponsorship, position, or expression of the
16
school, employees, or Board.
17
The director of schools shall develop procedures to ensure that students are recognized at graduation
18
ceremonies for the following achievements:⁵
19
Honors;
20
State Honors;
21
State Distinction;
22
District Distinction;
23
Tri-Star Scholar;
24
Students receiving a TN Seal of Biliteracy;
25
Students voluntarily completing at least ten (10) hours of community service each semester the
26
student is in attendance at a public high school;
27
Students receiving a gold or platinum medal on National Career Readiness Certificate; and
28
Students graduating with a district-developed work ethic distinction.
Version Date: July 5, 2022
Graduation Activities
4.606
Legal References
Cross References
1.
TCA 49-6-405
Section 504 & ADA Grievance Procedures 1.802
2.
TCA 49-2-114
Student Fees and Fines 6.709
3.
28 CFR § 36.201
4.
Lee v. Weisman, 505 U.S. 577(1992), 112 S. Ct.
2649, 120 L. Ed. 2d 467 (1992)
5.
TRR/MS 0520-01-03-.06(1)(b); State Board of
Education Policy 2.103; TCA 49-6-6010
Page 2 of 2
Hickman County Board of Education
Descriptor Term:
Descriptor Code:
Issued Date:
4.607
05/04/20
Waivers of Statute, Rules and
Regulations
Rescinds:
Issued:
4.607
02/05/18
1
If the Board determines that it is in the best interest of the school district, application may be made to
2
the commissioner of education for a waiver of any state board rule or regulation that inhibits or hinders
3
the Board's ability to implement programs designed to improve student achievement. 1 However, the
4
Board will not seek a waiver from those rules and regulations that are specifically excluded by state law.
5
Further, the Board may request from the Commissioner of Education a waiver of state law, rule or
6
regulation from maximum class sizes in the event a natural disaster has caused displaced students to
7
become enrolled in the school district.²
Legal References
1. TCA 49-1-201(d)(1)
2.
TCA 49-1-104(f)
Version Date: July 5, 2022
Hickman County Board of Education
Descriptor Term:
Descriptor Code:
Issued Date:
4.608
10/01/18
Transcript Alterations
Rescinds:
Issued:
1
Any student transcript alteration shall be supported by documentation. 1 This documentation shall
2
include the reason for the transcript alteration and evidence that the student earned the grade reflected
3
in the altered transcript. Anyone without authorization found to be altering transcripts shall be subject
4
to dismissal.
5
Hickman County Schools shall not retaliate against an employee who brings unauthorized transcript
6
alterations to the attention of school officials.¹
7
The Director of Schools shall develop procedures to implement this policy.
Legal References
Cross References
1. Public Acts of 2018, Chapter No. 557; TCA 49-5-
Grading System 4.600
1003(b)(3)
Version Date: July 5, 2022

## Table 1

|  | Hickman County Board of | Education |  |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
|  | Descriptor Term: Community Instructional Resources | Descriptor Code: 4.500 | Issued Date: 05/04/20 |
|  |  | Rescinds: 4.500 | Issued: 02/05/18 |

## Table 2

|  | Hickman County Board of | Education |  |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
|  | Descriptor Term: School Volunteers | Descriptor Code: 4.501 | Issued Date: 05/04/20 |
|  |  | Rescinds: 4.501 | Issued: 02/05/18 |

## Table 3

|  | Hickman County Board of | Education |  |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
|  | Descriptor Term: Parental and Family Involvement | Descriptor Code: 4.502 | Issued Date: 05/04/20 |
|  |  | Rescinds: 4.502 | Issued: 02/05/18 |

## Table 4

| 16 | Families are welcomed into the school community; |
| --- | --- |
| 17 18 | Families and school staff should engage in regular and meaningful communication about student learning; |
| 19 | Families and school staff work together to support student learning and development; |
| 20 | Families are informed and encouraged to be advocates for students; |
| 21 | Families are full partners in the decisions that affect children and families; and |
| 22 23 24 | Community, civic, and business resources are made available to strengthen school programs, family practices, and student learning. |

## Table 5

|  | Hickman County Board of | Education |  |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
|  | Descriptor Term: | Descriptor Code: 4.600 | Issued Date: 05/04/20 |
|  | Grading System | Rescinds: 4.600 | Issued: 03/05/18 |

## Table 6

| A |  | 93 100 |
| --- | --- | --- |
| B |  | 85 92 |
| C |  | 75 84 |
| D |  | 70 74 |
| F |  | 0 69¹ |

## Table 7

| Honors English (Grades 9-12) | Trigonometry |
| --- | --- |
| Honors Biology I | Honors Algebra II |
| Honors Physical Science | Honors Geometry |
| Honors Chemistry | Dual Enrollment College Courses |
| Honors Physics | Honors American History |
| Anatomy | Honors Algebra I |

## Table 8

| E | Excellent |
| --- | --- |
| S | Satisfactory |
| U | Unsatisfactory |

## Table 9

| 1 | Conduct grades are based on behavior and shall not be deducted from scholastic grades. |
| --- | --- |
| 2 3 | Attendance records will not be the sole criterion in determining the awarding of grades or the passing of a course or promotion or retention. |
| 4 5 6 | Plus and minus evaluations are not to be added to letter grades. Grades are not to be changed once recorded on a report card. If an erroneous grade has been recorded, correction must be made on a new card. |
| 7 8 9 10 11 12 | Grades given at the end of each nine (9) weeks period for elementary, intermediate, middle school, and high school will be determined from daily work, homework, written assignments and tests. The teacher will weigh the value of grades given for various assignments and tests within the applicable period in computing the grade. This procedure will enable the teacher to allow for individual student differences in the grading process. Any assignments and tests required of a student must be considered in the computation of his grade. |
| 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 | At the middle school level and at the high school level, grades will be determined by an average of grades for each of the two 9-week periods. The grades given at the end of each nine (9) weeks period shall be the grade earned by the student, as computed by the teacher, and shall not be subject to manipulation, regardless of the passing or failing nature of the grade provided that said teacher has documented verification on file that he/she has reasonably attempted to contact the student's parent(s) or guardian(s) making them aware of the student's failing grade or grades. The final grade of the year will be determined by averaging the two (2) semester grades. |
| 20 21 22 | The work of a student whose grades are satisfactory but are withheld because of failure to complete the required work shall be reported as incomplete (I). If the incomplete is not removed in the time designated by the teacher, it will then become an "F". |
| 23 | GRADES NINE - TWELVE GRADING SCALE AND LOTTERY SCHOLARSHIPS |
| 24 25 26 27 | Schools teaching grades nine through twelve shall use the uniform grading system established by the State Board of Education. Using the uniform grading system, students' grades shall be reported for the purposes of application for post secondary financial assistance administered by the Tennessee Student Assistance Corporation.¹ |

## Table 10

| 1. | TRR/MS 0520-01-03-.05(3) |
| --- | --- |
| 2. | TCA 49-2-203(b)(7); TCA 49-2-301(b)(1)(H) |
| 3. | TCA 49-1-617 |
| 4. | TCA 49-2-203(b)(7) |
| 5. | TCA 49-4-904-907; SBOE Policy 3.301 |
| 6. | TCA 49-4-932(f) |

## Table 11

|  | Hickman County Board of | Education |  |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
|  | Descriptor Term: Reporting Student Progress | Descriptor Code: 4.601 | Issued Date: 05/04/20 |
|  |  | Rescinds: 4.601 | Issued: 02/15/18 |

## Table 12

| Legal References | Cross References |
| --- | --- |
| 1. TRR/MS 0520-01-03-.05(3)(a); TCA 49-6-901 | School Calendar 1.800 |
| 2. TCA 49-6-3017 | Section 504 & ADA Grievance Procedures 1.802 |
| 3. TCA 49-6-7002 | Grading System 4.600 |
| 4. 28 CFR § 36.201 | Promotion and Retention 4.603 |
|  | Staff Time Schedules 5.602 |
|  | Attendance 6.200 |

## Table 13

|  | Hickman County Board of | Education |  |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
|  | Descriptor Term: Homework | Descriptor Code: 4.6011 | Issued Date: 05/04/20 |
|  |  | Rescinds: 4.6011 | Issued: 02/05/18 |

## Table 14

| 14 | Grades 1 and 2 - | If necessary, homework should not exceed fifteen (15) minutes per day. |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 15 | Grades 3 and 4 - | If necessary, homework should not exceed thirty (30) minutes per day. |
| 16 17 | Grades 5 and 6 - | If necessary, homework should not exceed ten (10) minutes per subject or forty-five (45) minutes per day |
| 18 19 | Grades 7 and 8 - or | If necessary, homework should not exceed fifteen (15) minutes per subject sixty (60) minutes per day. |
| 20 21 | Grades 9 to 12 - per | If necessary, homework should not exceed thirty (30) minutes per subject day. |

## Table 15

|  | Hickman County Board of | Education |  |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
|  | Descriptor Term: Class Ranking | Descriptor Code: 4.602 | Issued Date: 05/04/20 |
|  |  | Rescinds: 4.602 | Issued: 02/05/18 |

## Table 16

|  | Hickman County Board of | Education |  |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
|  | Descriptor Term: Promotion and Retention | Descriptor Code: 4.603 | Issued Date: 05/04/20 |
|  |  | Rescinds: 4.603 | Issued: 04/01/19 |

## Table 17

| 1 | When a student is considered for retention, the student's parent/guardian shall be notified within |
| --- | --- |
| 2 | fifteen (15) days, and an individualized promotion plan shall be developed to help the student avoid |
| 3 | retention. This plan will be provided to the student's parent/guardian. |
| 4 5 | The director shall develop procedures governing how decisions on retention will be made after the student begins work on his/her individualized promotion plan. |
| 6 | K - 3 Reading Notification |
| 7 8 9 10 | If it is determined through a student's overall performance or a state or local assessment that a student in grades kindergarten through three (K-3) is not meeting grade-level standards in reading, the student's parent(s)/guardian(s) shall be notified within fifteen (15) calendar days of such determination. |
| 11 | RETENTION |
| 12 13 14 | A student may be retained when, in the judgment of the student's teacher and/or the student's IEP team, such retention is in the best interest of the student. However, a student shall not be retained more than once in any grade. |
| 15 16 17 18 | If a student is retained, the director of schools/designee shall develop an individualized academic remediation plan prior to the start of the next school year. A copy of the plan shall be provided to the student's parent/guardian within ten (10) days of its development. This plan shall include at least one of the following strategies: |
| 19 20 | 1. Adjustment to the current instructional strategies or materials; |
| 21 22 | 2. Additional instructional time; |
| 23 24 | 3. Individual tutoring outside of school hours; |
| 25 26 27 | 4. Modification to the student's classroom assignment to ensure the student receives instruction from a highly effective teacher; or |
| 28 | 5. Attendance or truancy interventions. |
| 29 30 | The director of schools shall develop procedures to ensure proper monitoring of students who are retained and appropriate recordkeeping. |
| 31 32 33 | For the purpose of determining the effectiveness of retention toward improving student achievement, the progress of retained students shall be closely monitored and reported to parent(s)/guardian(s) at least three (3) times during the school year in which the student is retained. |

## Table 18

|  | Hickman County Board of | Education |  |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
|  | Descriptor Term: Graduation Requirements | Descriptor Code: 4.605 | Issued Date: 08/02/21 |
|  |  | Rescinds: 4.605 | Issued: 08/03/20 |

## Table 19

|  | Hickman County Board of | Education |  |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
|  | Descriptor Term: Graduation Activities | Descriptor Code: 4.606 | Issued Date: 05/04/20 |
|  |  | Rescinds: 4.606 | Issued: 04/02/18 |

## Table 20

|  | Hickman County Board of | Education |  |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
|  | Descriptor Term: Waivers of Statute, Rules and | Descriptor Code: 4.607 | Issued Date: 05/04/20 |
|  | Regulations | Rescinds: 4.607 | Issued: 02/05/18 |

## Table 21

|  | Hickman County Board of | Education |  |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
|  | Descriptor Term: | Descriptor Code: 4.608 | Issued Date: 10/01/18 |
|  | Transcript Alterations | Rescinds: | Issued: |