New 6-Week Academic Checkpoints at Taft 7-12
This school year, Taft 7-12 is introducing 6-Week Academic Checkpoints to help students stay on track with their learning throughout each semester. Our goal is to increase student accountability while giving students and families clear, predictable opportunities to review grades, address missing work, and seek additional help before students fall too far behind.
Rather than waiting until the end of a semester to address missing assignments, projects, or assessments, students will work within three 6-week academic windows each semester. During each window, students should regularly check their grades, attend class, complete assigned work and assessments, and communicate with their teachers when they need additional support.
2026–2027 Academic Checkpoint Dates
Families and students are encouraged to mark these dates and review academic progress regularly before each checkpoint.
First Semester
October 23, 2026 — 1st 6-Week Academic Checkpoint
December 4, 2026 — 2nd 6-Week Academic Checkpoint
January 28, 2027 — 3rd 6-Week Academic Checkpoint
Second Semester
March 12, 2027 — 4th 6-Week Academic Checkpoint
April 30, 2027 — 5th 6-Week Academic Checkpoint
June 16, 2027 — 6th 6-Week Academic Checkpoint
What Does a 6-Week Academic Checkpoint Mean?
The 6-Week Academic Checkpoints are established dates throughout each semester when students are expected to have completed all assignments, projects, assessments, and other required evidence of learning from the previous six weeks. These checkpoints are designed to help students stay engaged in their classes, monitor their academic progress, and address missing or incomplete work in a timely manner.
Once a six-week grading window closes, incomplete or missing work will remain reflected in the student's grade, and students should not expect to complete work from a previous grading window. Teachers may use professional discretion to provide additional or alternative opportunities for students to demonstrate the same academic standards.
All grading expectations and timelines will be implemented consistent with students' individual education plans, accommodations, modifications, and language-access needs. Individual circumstances or hardships will also be considered through communication with the classroom teacher and administration.
What Can Students Do to Stay on Track?
Students should not wait until the Academic Checkpoint to begin addressing their grades. Throughout each six-week period, we encourage students to:
Attend class consistently and arrive ready to learn.
Check grades and missing assignments regularly.
Complete assignments, projects, and assessments on time.
Talk with teachers when they are confused or falling behind.
Take advantage of opportunities for additional instruction, intervention, or reassessment.
Make a plan to complete missing work before the 6-Week Academic Checkpoint.
Families can support this process by regularly reviewing grades with their student and encouraging them to communicate directly with their teachers when they need help.
Our Goal: Address It Early
The purpose of the 6-Week Academic Checkpoints is not to create more failing grades. Our goal is to help students take action earlier, develop stronger academic habits, and avoid reaching the end of a semester with weeks or months of unfinished learning.
We appreciate the partnership of our students, families, and staff as we work together to help every student stay engaged and make consistent academic progress throughout the school year.