Indianapolis Public Schools reverses no-zero grading policy

The Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS) school board voted unanimously to end the district's no-zero grading policy for students in grades first through 12th. The policy reversal comes six years after its implementation and is primarily driven by teacher feedback. Now, students can receive a zero on an assignment if they do not make an effort to complete it after receiving multiple opportunities and support from their teachers.

However, if students put in a good faith effort, they will still receive at least a 50% grade. Anything 59% or lower is an F, with other letter grades ranging from 10 points each. For instance, a score of 90% or higher is an A, while grades between 80% and 89% are a B. The aim of this change is to provide students with more opportunities to improve and retake assignments.

The no-zero policy was introduced in July 2020, aiming to reduce the impact of zeros on students' grades, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic when many students learned remotely and missed assignments due to factors like quarantine. Critics of the policy, including some IPS staff and parents, found it challenging to implement and to determine which students required additional support.

Teachers argued that the policy did not adequately prepare students for the college experience. In response, the new grading policy is seen as a balanced approach to ensure student success while maintaining a clear standard for academic performance.