10-Point Grading Scale Rockingham County Public Schools

Background Present grading scale was adopted in 1986 Current10-point A= A= B= 86-93B= C= 78-85C= D= 70-77D= F= 69 and belowF= 59 and below

Benefits Level playing field with other school divisions in Virginia and other states Level playing field with other school divisions in Virginia and other states Align with grading scale used by most colleges Align with grading scale used by most colleges Possibly more students would be distinguished as Honor Roll Possibly more students would be distinguished as Honor Roll Possibly fewer students would fail Possibly fewer students would fail Possibly the drop-out rate would decrease Possibly the drop-out rate would decrease Possibly increase student self-confidence and esteem Possibly increase student self-confidence and esteem Possibly motivate students to attempt AP and dual enrollment courses Possibly motivate students to attempt AP and dual enrollment courses

Concerns Might compromise the excellent reputation that our school system has with colleges Might compromise the excellent reputation that our school system has with colleges Might cause colleges to possibly recalibrate the way that they evaluate RCPS transcripts Might cause colleges to possibly recalibrate the way that they evaluate RCPS transcripts Might diminish student motivation to achieve higher standards Might diminish student motivation to achieve higher standards Might cause parents to think the curriculum has been “watered-down” Might cause parents to think the curriculum has been “watered-down”

Schools in Virginia 8 other Virginia school divisions use 10-point scale 8 other Virginia school divisions use 10-point scale Several other Virginia school divisions are reviewing their grading scales: Several other Virginia school divisions are reviewing their grading scales: Fairfax County Fairfax County Loudoun County Loudoun County Arlington County Arlington County Montgomery County Montgomery County Warren County Warren County Albemarle County Albemarle County

Summary of Points Supporting 10– Point Grading Scale Current scale puts our students at disvantage when competing for college admission Current scale puts our students at disvantage when competing for college admission Grading scale is one of many factors that admission offices consider Grading scale is one of many factors that admission offices consider Scholarship committees may be unaware of differences in grading scales Scholarship committees may be unaware of differences in grading scales Teachers will continue to maintain high expectations for class work and tests Teachers will continue to maintain high expectations for class work and tests Elementary students will have a more comfortable margin for academic success Elementary students will have a more comfortable margin for academic success At-risk students will bennefit with a lower failing grade At-risk students will bennefit with a lower failing grade A new 10-point scale will match with Dual Enrollment classes and Governor’s School classes A new 10-point scale will match with Dual Enrollment classes and Governor’s School classes Legislation to support 10-point scale has been introduced and promoted by General Assembly Legislation to support 10-point scale has been introduced and promoted by General Assembly Massanutten Technical Center supports the use of 10-point scale Massanutten Technical Center supports the use of 10-point scale

Recommendation The Division 10-point Grading Scale Committee recommends that the School Division adopt a 10-point grading scale effective at the beginning of the 2010 – 2011 school year.