1. MCPS Secondary Grading Scale 10-Point Grading Scale

2. 7-Point Grading Scale Letter GradePercent Grade4.0 Scale (Quality Points) A93-1004.0 B92-853.0 C84-772.0 D76-691.0 F68-BELOW0.0

3. Proposed 10-Point Grading Scale Letter GradePercent Grade4.0 Scale (Quality Points) A90-1004.0 B89-803.0 C79-702.0 D69-601.0 F59-BELOW0.0

4. Research Timeline Researched every school division in Virginia to gather information on their grading scales (Websites, Program of Studies, and Guidance Offices) Contacted local colleges and universities for admission information Investigated scholarship opportunities where GPA is a factor Surveyed teachers to determine the possible impact on instruction Surveyed parents to determine their perceptions and opinions regarding the possible impact on instruction Compared the current grading scale vs. proposed grading scale Evaluated the possible Benefits and Concerns

5. State Grading Scale Percentages 5-point, 6-point, 7-point, 8-point, 9-point and 10-point scales

6. What Colleges Say? Longwood University, Lynchburg College, Liberty University and University of Virginia were contacted. GPA is only one factor that is considered. The admissions office will review the grading scale listed on the transcript and make determinations from that information. Biggest factors are GPA, SAT/ACT Score and Involvement (School and Community)

7. Scholarship Opportunities SVRTC STEM Essay (2.0) Willard G. Plentl Aviation (3.5) Virginia Airport Operators Council (3.75) Lake Country Soil & Water Conservation District (3.0) Mid-Atlantic Broadband (3.2) Delegate Tommy Wright Legislative Scholarship (3.0)

8. Grading Scale Survey Results

9. Possible Benefits Increased scholarship opportunities (Statewide and Regional) Most colleges and universities are on a 10-point grading scale May level the playing field for some students May increase student motivation and achievement

10. Concerns and Questions If we are looking to increase Rigor, won’t the 10-point scale hurt our students?  Rigor is not tied to a grading scale. Rigor involves providing explicit instruction that enables students to think critically, analyze information and apply their learning into a series of final products. Rigor is increased through our (educators) continuous quest to engage students and encourage higher-level thinking and learning. Through our use of personalized learning communities and project based learning initiatives, we are striving to increase rigor in the classroom. Students will only need to show up to school to earn an A. Does increasing the window in the grading standard decrease student’s efforts?  No, we have high expectations for all of our students. We expect them to strive to do their absolute best everyday regardless of grading scale.

11. Example: John Smith Mecklenburg County Public Schools English 12- Honors 94%-A (4.0 Quality Points Spanish IV99%-A (4.0 Quality Points) Government92%-B (3.0 Quality Points) Biology II91%-B (3.0 Quality Points) GPA Total:3.5 GPA Lynchburg City Public Schools English 12- Honors 94%-A (4.0 Quality Points Spanish IV99%-A (4.0 Quality Points) Government92%-A (4.0 Quality Points) Biology II91%-A (4.0 Quality Points) GPA Total:4.0 GPA

12. Questions???