DALLAS — The Dallas Independent School District is about to make it easier for students to achieve.

But is that a good message to send as classes are about to resume?

When DISD teachers arrive at work next week, they will be greeted with some controversial new elements to the district's grading procedures — elements that some teachers' representatives are saying will undercut their ability to instruct.

DISD administrators say the changes are needed to make sure that grading procedures are unform across the district.

Among the major changes for high school students:

• One chance to re-take any failed test; the lower test grade will be elminated.

• At least one chance to submit late work not related to an absence; no zeroes will be immediately issued for work that isn't on time.

• A grade of zero will be given only after parental notification and efforts to assist the student.

Aimee Bolender, president of the Alliance/AFT teachers' union representing nearly 10,000 educators, says she is disappointed at the new standards. She predicts teachers will be outraged, and will see this as a further eroding of accountability for DISD students.

"Once again it says you don't really have to do the work; we are going to kind of let you slide here; we are going to give you a lot of chances," Bolender said. "I don't think our kids need that many chances. I think they need to know what the rules are, what the accountability is, and that they are going to move forward with those things."

DISD officials defend the changes, saying they level the playing field for students district-wide.

The policy changes were not voted on by board members, but one contacted by News 8 on Friday said he supports them. The trustee adds that he predicts teachers will have a higher level of appreciation for the changes when they are outlined next week.

E-mail bshipp@wfaa.com