No Fs this semester for NYC’s 1.1 million public schools students

Mayor Bill de Blasio and Schools Chancellor Richard Carranza announced the updated citywide grading policy Photo via Ed Reed/Mayoral Photography Office

By Rachel Vick

None of New York City’s 1.1 million public school students will fail their classes this semester, according to a new grading policy announced by city officials Tuesday. 

The new grading policy is intended to focus on overall performance and consider the challenges faced by students amid the abrupt shift to remote learning, said Schools Chancellor Richard Carranza said. 

“We recognize that parents and students alike are experiencing anxiety and trauma in the midst of the pandemic, and we have continually evolved our policies to meet this moment,” Carranza said.

Under the new policy, students in kindergarten through fifth grade will be measured by a “meets standards” or “needs improvement” scale. 

Middle schoolers will be measured by the same criteria with the addition of “course in progress” for students who have not met course criteria and must enroll in summer school.

Instead of failing classes, high school students will receive a “course in progress” grade.They will also have the option of receiving a “pass” grade to preserve a student’s GPA while still counting towards graduation.

Underperforming eighth graders and high school seniors will receive extra support to keep them on track for graduation and moving up to high school, Carranza said. Once completed, the “course in progress” will be changed to a passing grade.

"We needed a grading policy that captures the work students have done this year, both in the classroom and during distance learning, while not punishing students for things outside of their control,” said United Federation of Teachers President Michael Mulgrew. “We think this policy strikes that balance by incorporating the concerns of parents, teachers and stakeholders.’