Class Rank / Course Weight Proposed System for Council Rock

Committee Members Committee Members: Charlie Cassady, Lynn Cariello, Ric Cargas, Barry Desko, Al Funk, Charles Lambert, Susan McCarthy, Joy McClendon, Ann Naragon, Tim Rothrock, Ellen Short, Bev Stapleton, Ann Marie Strauss, Nicole Ventresca Consulted with and incorporated feedback from: Curriculum Coordinators (14); High School Department Chairs (23) 14 months of study & review

Why Consider a Change to our Current System? Our goal was to review our current practice to make sure it best represents our students. Ensure our system is fair and reasonable. Make changes if / when our research suggests changes should be considered.

Our Research Shows: Surveyed 36 School Districts & over 150 Colleges/Universities There is no right or best system. High Schools use a variety of systems. Class ranking systems (once a common practice) have declined significantly. Of the 26 high school responses - 18 no longer rank. Colleges – no set standard, but seek to understand a student’s achievement measured against the district’s curriculum. Other resources – Formal / Informal contacts, Professional organizations, etc.

Current System in CR Weighted Class Rank & Unweighted GPA

Weighted Class Rank All courses are weighted (4, 5, 6, 7, 8.) This weight is then multiplied by the student’s final grade for the class. Cumulative points earned then result in a rank ordering of all students in that graduating class at the end of each year.

Unweighted GPA Students receive points for each grade (A = 4; B = 3; C = 2; D = 1; F = 0) These points are then multiplied by the course credit. Total points are then divided by the number of credits attempted (maximum GPA = 4.0)

Proposed System for Council Rock No Class Rank System. Weighted GPA. Begins with the Class of 2011 and all subsequent classes. Current system will remain for classes of 2009 & 2010.

No Class Rank We will no longer keep a public ranking of students. We will no longer recognize valedictorian(s) / salutatorian(s).

Weighted GPA Designed to reflect a student’s achievement against the most rigorous course of study offered. Grades weighted for AP and Honor Courses. New maximum GPA = 4.5 (w/ current course offerings) ABCDF AP Honors Others

High School Profile New Profiles will be developed. Profile will provide a complete picture of our programs and our students. Included will be information on: High School Curriculum SAT’s / ACT’s AP GPA’s Grade Distributions Etc.

Next Steps Board action – revocation of Board Policy #214. Presentation to high school faculties. Focus group meetings with students / parents. Presentation to high school Parent Forum. Publication changes – Program Planning Book. Focus during all Program Planning Meetings for students and parents. Implementation beginning school year.