Discussion on Grading Scales

1. Discussion onGrading Scales August 26, 2008 ____________________ Stafford County Public Schools

2. Key Concepts • Grading scale differences 7 pt 8 pt SCPS Spotsy 10 pt

3. Key Concepts • Weighted GPA for college equivalent courses

4. Key Concepts • Grade distribution Norm Referenced System Lowest Achievers Highest Achievers Average F D C B A educationtrust.org

5. Key Concepts Secondary School Transcript Law (8 VAC 20-160-10 et. seq.) School Profile Data Sheet • Achievement data • Curriculum description • Grading scale • Grade distribution • Explanation of advanced-level, accelerated, and honors courses • Weighted grades and computation • Explanation of class rank • Graduation requirements

6. The grading scale is listed on the school data profile sheets that accompany every student transcript sent to colleges.

7. Key Question #1: • Are the weighted and unweighted SCPS grade point averages substantially different from other comparable school systems that use a 10-point grade scale? • Tasks: • Research Virginia school districts to secure information that includes the grading scales and the method of awarding quality points within the letter grade ranges.

8. Key Question #2: • What is the impact of different grading policies on college admissions and scholarships? • Tasks: • Research college admissions offices to determine procedures and criteria used to make selections.

9. Key Question #3: • Do grade distributions change substantially for high schools that change to a 10-point grade scale? • Tasks: • Do a comparative analysis of the grade distributions in school systems using a 10-point scale with other scales to determine if significant differences are evident. • Survey teachers to determine possible impact on curriculum/instruction and course grade distributions.

10. Key Question #4: • Do high schools that change to a 10-point grade scale have more students accepted into college than before? • Tasks: • Do a comparative analysis to determine if more students from school systems using a 10-point scale are accepted at selected Virginia colleges than other scales.

11. Key Question #5: • What are the operational issues associated with changing to a 10-point grade scale? • Tasks: • Develop a method for recalculating grades. • Develop a list of documents that would have to be reprinted.

12. Timeline • 3-6 months • Research Virginia school districts to secure information that includes the grading scales and the method of awarding quality points within the letter grade ranges. • Research college admissions offices to determine procedures and criteria used to make selections. • Survey teachers to determine possible impact on curriculum/instruction and course grade distributions. • Develop a method for recalculating grades. • Develop a list of documents that would have to be reprinted.

13. Timeline • 6-9 months • Do a comparative analysis of the grade distributions in school systems using a 10-point scale with other scales to determine if significant differences are evident. • Do a comparative analysis to determine if more students from school systems using a 10-point scale are accepted at selected Virginia colleges than other scales.

14. Pros for a 10-Point Grading Scale • Create a “level playing field” as our students compete for college admission and scholarship with other students in Virginia school divisions and other states that use a 10-point grading scale. • Align with the grading scale used by most colleges. • Possibly more students would receive A’s and B’s to be distinguished as Honor Roll students. • Possibly fewer students would fail, thus more would earn high school credit. • Possibly the drop-out rate would decrease. • Might increase student motivation to achieve at higher levels. • Might increase student self-confidence and esteem. • Might motivate students to attempt AP, IB, and dual enrollment courses.

15. Cons for a 10-Point Grading Scale • Might compromise the excellent reputation that the school system has with colleges based on how well our students matriculate as a result of experiencing higher performance standards. • Since the grading scale and the method of calculating GPA is explained on every student’s transcript, colleges would possibly recalibrate the way that they evaluate SCPS transcripts. • Might diminish student motivation to achieve higher standards. • Might not change the distribution of grades as teachers would adjust the weight of assignments and assessments (i.e. – “grade to scale”).

16. Grade Distribution 52% of SCPS high school students earned A’s and B’s on the current grading scale. 2007-08 High School Grade Distribution in Percentages (Core Academics & Foreign Language) Lowest Achievers Highest Achievers Average F D D+ C C+ B B+ A A+ 7 9 8 11 13 17 16 14 5 Percentages

17. Barmak Nassirian, spokesman for the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers, said when it comes to being accepted into college, one grading scale is not superior to any other. • "In general, it tends not to be a problem," he said. "The admissions office knows what it is doing. When a transcript goes into an admissions office, the officer can interpret it.“ Quoted in Loudoun Times, June 10 2008

18. “Today’s workplace requires nearly all students to perform at a level that only a few did 25 years ago.”Philip Schlechty Inventing Better Schools Those citizens wishing to comment but unable to attend the public hearing on October 28 at 7 PM may submit their comments in writing via email to PublicInformation@StaffordSchools.net, via fax to 540/658-5963 or via mail to The Clerk of the Board, 31 Stafford Avenue, Stafford, VA 22554.