When I was in that situation, I was consistent in my expectations. If they hadn't mastered the material, it made no sense to pass them

along to the next level. I always felt an inflated grade was a disservice. It's a really hard situation to be in. Follow your instincts.

I am colleenk - it just breaks my heart sometimes.

When you look back on the term, do you see anything more you could have done for your students? I imagine you gave them every opportunity.

Are these your seniors?

Nope, my one class of sophomores - in the freshman curriculum.

I'm sorry you can't pass some of your students. I'm confused about the timeline, though. What does a failing grade mean at this point?

This is such a huge question. I guess it all comes down to what the grade actually means.

collenk At this point it doesn't mean the end of the world. But the student of whom I'm thinking had an IEP meeting this morning so...

I had to report.

heza: I know. What /does/ a grade mean?

Exactly JackieB. Philosophically I bounce around with that one.

For me it depends. I have one section that is a modified class and we use a modified curriculum. The expecations there are different.

We grade on the concepts we teach, but we don't cover the same amount of material as the "regular class"

We also try to avaid presenting things we know they just won't be able to do. (BTW the class I'm talking about is IEP 8th graders)

I do much of the same vkuryla - but if they aren't doing well with those modifications/accommodations, then what?