Thursday, September 18, 2008

Fairfax County Public Schools researching grading policies

Fairfax County Public Schools is researching the school system’s grade policies, in conjunction with FAIRGRADE, a parent advocacy group. The parent group met with school officials in April to voice its concerns about the impact of the current grading policies regarding scale and weight on college admissions, merit scholarships and placement in college honors programs.

FCPS uses a 6-point grade scale, and provides an additional weight of .5 for students who take and pass advanced placement and international baccalaureate courses, to determine grade point average.

The scale now is:
A, 94-100; B+, 90-93; B, 84-89; C+, 80-83; C, 74-79, D+ 70-73; D, 64-69, F, below 64
The FCPS-FAIRGRADE research addresses the following questions:
* Are the weighted and unweighted GPAs of FCPS high schools substantially different from other comparable school systems that use a 10-point grade scale?
* What is the impact of different grading policies on college admissions, merit scholarships and honor placement?
* What are the potential consequences of changing the FCPS grading policies?
* What evidence supports the current grading policies?
The goal of the research is to take an objective and careful look at the questions, issues and consequences to ensure the best interest of all FCPS students is considered.
The research will be performed in several ways: using grading data that’s available publicly and in the school’s systems; looking at GPA distribution, surveying more than 100 colleges and universities that represent where FCPS students typically apply; reviewing current policies and by examining transcripts and GPAs of graduated seniors.
The results from the study will be compiled into a summary of findings and will be presented to Dr. Jack Dale, FCPS superintendent, who will determine possible next steps.