Warwick drops pass-fail grades for high school phys ed

WARWICK — Warwick High School physical education teachers will be implementing a numerical grading system for physical education, according to Athletic Director Gregory Sirico.
The former system assessed students as Pass or Fail and did not provide the opportunity to differentiate between different performance levels in physical education, Sirico said in the press release announcing the change.
The new policy will be more in line with other courses in the high school using numerical grading to assess student performance in the classroom.
Sirico said the grading policy will allow students the ability to earn grades based on attendance, preparedness, participation and conduct:

Attendance will be assessed on promptness and class attendance.
Preparedness will be assessed on appropriate attire.
Participation assesses student participation level to the best of their ability.
Conduct reflects demonstrating necessary social skills to work effectively with others.

Individual physical fitness level and athletic ability are not included in the rubric for grading.
Physical education grades will be included in establishing class rank and students achieving Honor Roll and High Honor Roll status.
Sirico said the policy encourages participation and brings expectation and assessments for students in physical education in line with the districts’ other disciplines; it was developed with the input of students, teachers and administrators.