Academic Recognition Changing practice

Academic Recognition Our current practice is to “Rank order” students according to their weighted GPA. This has been a common practice of secondary schools for a long time—but schools are rethinking its use.

Class Rank is data transfer: transfers GPA into ordinal rank order. Academic Recognition Class Rank is data transfer: transfers GPA into ordinal rank order. The differences between ranks tell us qualitatively very little. Because the GPAs are so close, it is carried out four decimal places or to the ten thousandth place.

Example of actual class ranks: 4.8872 (.0073) 4.8799 (.0177) 4.8622 Academic Recognition Example of actual class ranks: 4.8872 (.0073) 4.8799 (.0177) 4.8622 Students are ranked 1 – 325 - Grades 9 – 12 Rank for the most part, is statistically insignificant

How is Class Rank utilized? Academic Recognition How is Class Rank utilized? Class Rank is reported on all students’ final report cards and as seniors—the official transcript. Class Rank determines Class Valedictorian & Salutatorian Class Rank is reported to college admissions as part of student record How was the issue of Class Rank studied? A committee of stakeholders made up of parents, students, faculty, and administration Committee worked over a two year period Committee had students from the top ten represented both years (class of 2017 & 2018).

Why is this change being proposed? Academic Recognition Why is this change being proposed? After researching Class Rank and its intended purpose(s), the committee concluded the following: Class Rank fosters unneeded pressure and unhealthy competition among peers Class Rank is overemphasized and it is used less and less during the college admissions process Fear of dropping in Class Rank discourages students from following learning interest or passions Being informed of a lower class rank could lead to discouragement, when in actuality it means very little in terms of purpose and quality.

Why is this change being proposed? Academic Recognition Why is this change being proposed? After researching Class Rank the committee learned: After monitoring class rank for the past decade, the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC), concluded the shift away from rank has had no effect on students’ prospects for admission. According to a 2016 NACAC survey of 217 colleges, 65% of admission officers rated Class Rank Limited or No Importance. Also from the NACAC, many colleges have already realized the limitations of class rank and have de-emphasized it in favor of: the high school’s profile, student’s course work, GPA, test scores (SAT/ACT/AP etc…).

What would the change in practice look like? Academic Recognition What would the change in practice look like? Eliminate the use of Class Rank recognition and reporting Replace with GPA benchmarks Summa Cum Laude; Magna Cum Laude; and Cum Laude Students would intrinsically strive to attain a GPA benchmark rather than compete directly against a peer or friend. More students would receive academic recognition, much like a university or college.

What would be the GPA benchmarks? Academic Recognition What would be the GPA benchmarks? Summa Cum Laude (with highest praise) 4.6 + Magna Cum Laude (with great praise) 4.3 – 4.599 Cum Laude (with praise) 4.0 – 4.299 How would class valedictorian and salutatorian be selected? “Valedictorian” one who gives farewell address to a graduating class, would be open to all Summa Cum Laude students via application and selection committee. “Salutatorian” one who gives the welcome to a graduating class, would be open to all Summa, Magna, and Cum Laude members following the same format as for valedictorian. mebers.

When would the change in practice be implemented? Academic Recognition When would the change in practice be implemented? School Year 2018 – 2019