MCPS Secondary Grading Scale10-Point Grading Scale

7-Point Grading Scale

Letter Grade Percent Grade 4.0 Scale (Quality Points)

A 93-100 4.0

B 92-85 3.0

C 84-77 2.0

D 76-69 1.0

F 68-BELOW 0.0

Proposed 10-Point Grading Scale

Letter Grade Percent Grade 4.0 Scale (Quality Points)

A 90-100 4.0

B 89-80 3.0

C 79-70 2.0

D 69-60 1.0

F 59-BELOW 0.0

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

State Grading Scale Percentages5-point, 6-point, 7-point, 8-point, 9-point and 10-point scales

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)

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)

Grading Scale Survey Results

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

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.

Example: John Smith

Mecklenburg County Public Schools

English 12-Honors

94%-A (4.0 Quality Points

Spanish IV 99%-A (4.0 Quality Points)

Government 92%-B (3.0 Quality Points)

Biology II 91%-B (3.0 Quality Points)

GPA Total: 3.5 GPA

Lynchburg City Public Schools

English 12-Honors

94%-A (4.0 Quality Points

Spanish IV 99%-A (4.0 Quality Points)

Government 92%-A (4.0 Quality Points)

Biology II 91%-A (4.0 Quality Points)

GPA Total: 4.0 GPA

Questions???