MCPS Secondary
Grading Scale
10-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 Percentages
5-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
Lynchburg City
Public Schools
Mecklenburg County Public
Schools
English 12Honors
94%-A (4.0
Quality Points
English 12Honors
94%-A (4.0
Quality Points
Spanish IV
99%-A (4.0
Quality Points)
Spanish IV
99%-A (4.0
Quality Points)
Government
92%-B (3.0
Quality Points)
Government
92%-A (4.0
Quality Points)
Biology II
91%-A (4.0
Quality Points)
GPA Total:
4.0 GPA
Biology II
91%-B (3.0
Quality Points)
GPA Total:
3.5 GPA
Questions???