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Conversation about grading scales turns into project
Posted Wednesday, October 28, 2009, at 4:37 PM<< Previous | Read comments | Respond | Email link | Next >>
A conversation in the newsroom the other day piqued my interest.
The topic turned to grading scales of Greene County schools, and the question was asked: Which school has the toughest grading scale? It didn't take long for me to answer.
But I was wrong.
It took only about five minutes for me to come to that conclusion, thanks to the Internet.
Though the conversation soon died, I couldn't help but wonder what the grading scales were for all county schools. Are they the same? Close? Should they be the same?
All good questions, but I don't have the answers.
Local control over our schools is important, meaning your local school -- with the approval of the school board -- has control over the grading scale.
But what would happen if Greene County schools worked together and had one grading scale? That probably won't happen, because not all schools are the same. They don't offer the same classes, have the same teachers, and don't work on the same schedule (semesters vs. trimesters).
So which school has the toughest? It depends on how you judge.
Linton (all grades) has the highest percentage for an F (69), and Bloomfield Elementary has the toughest scale to receive an A (97-100).
The following is a list of Greene County schools' grading scales. I was able to locate all the grading scales but one on the schools' Internet sites. I called the other to learn the scale.
* Bloomfield Elementary School:
A -- 97-100
A- -- 94-96
B+ -- 91-93
B -- 87-90
B- -- 85-86
C+ -- 82-84
C -- 77-81
C- -- 74-76
D+ -- 70-73
D -- 67-69
D- -- 65-66
F -- 64 and below
* Bloomfield Jr./Sr. High School:
A+ -- 100
A -- 93-99
A- -- 90-92
B+ -- 88-89
B -- 83-87
B- -- 80-82
C+ -- 78-79
C -- 73-77
C- -- 70-72
D+ -- 68-69
D -- 63-67
D- -- 60-62
F -- 59 and below
* Eastern Greene Elementary School for grade 4:
A -- 92-100
B -- 83-91
C -- 72-82
D -- 65-71
F -- 64 - below
* Eastern Greene Elementary School kindergarten through third grade:
* Exceeds Expectations (E) -- Meets and often goes beyond grade level standards.
* Meets Expectations (M) -- Meets grade level expectations and standards.
* Progressing (P) -- Shows some understanding; further development expected.
* Needs Improvement (NI) -- Demonstrates minimal progress toward grade-level standards.
* Eastern Greene Middle and High School:
A- -- 90-92
B+ -- 87-89
B- -- 80-82
C+ -- 77-79
C- -- 70-72
D+ -- 67-69
D- -- 60-62
* Linton-Stockton Elementary, Junior High and High School:
A -- 95-100
A- -- 93-94
B+ -- 91-92
B -- 85-90
B- -- 83-84
C+ -- 81-82
C -- 75-80
C- -- 74
D+ -- 73
D -- 71-72
D- -- 70
F -- 69 and below
* Shakamak Elementary, Junior High and High School:
A -- 93-100
A- -- 90-92
B+ -- 87-89
B -- 83-86
B- -- 80-82
C+ -- 77-79
C -- 73-76
C- -- 70-72
D+ -- 67-69
D -- 63-66
D- -- 60-62
F -- 59 and below
* White River Valley Elementary, Junior High and High School:
A -- 93-100
A- -- 90-92
B+ -- 88-89
B -- 83-87
B- -- 80-82
C+ -- 78-79
C -- 73-77
C- -- 70-72
D+ -- 68-69
D -- 63-67
D- -- 60-62
F -- 59 and below
Chris is the general manager/editor for the Greene County Daily World. He can be reached by telephone at 847-4487 or by e-mail at cpruett79@hotmail.com .
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Comparing grading scales between schools using different assignments and tests makes about as much sense as comparing the fuel economy of an SUV and a semi-truck.
I had a class in college where I believe 30% was an A. Very few people got As in that class.
I would like to see a comparison of ISTEP or SAT scores.
The Indiana Department of Education's website has ISTEP and SAT scores for each school in the state.
What matters is when these kids apply for scholarships and college.The committees look at the grade point average not at each individual schools grading scale. It makes it unfair to the kids that have the tougher grading scales to get scholarships.
I don't believe that a tougher scale denies kids opportunity. Kids deny themselves opportunities. Educational research shows that kids will reach whatever level that they want or need to. In other words, if they want a B, they will work to that level regardless of the number.
Also, all teachers do not teach and score identically. So, a 90% at WRV may be easier or tougher to earn than a 90% at Bloomfield or Linton.
Not to disrespect, but that argument is not based on research. In a vacuum, yes, it seems right. But, in practice, it isn't.
Let me see if I have this right, The End. Is what you are saying that at any school you could change the scale to 99 A, 98 B, 97 C, 96 D 95 F and the grades given would not change?
Chris,
You need to take this conversation to the next level. Do a comparison with Indiana, Purdue or IUPUI in regards to GPA and monies earned by students for scholarship. The GPA drives the money allowed. This has cost my child an added 500.00 per semester vs. kids from traditional grading scale method schools. An extra 4k to pay just to say we are more strict. it needs to be changed! For classes to start out with 125 kids plus in grade school and end up with 85 graduating is wrong.
And by the way my child had better grades percentage wise than the child she rooms with from another school and got less money! The GPA drove her funding down.
The grading scale doesn't matter if the teacher gives out so much extra credit they can get 130% in the class. This county has a major problem with grade inflation. And we all know, regardless of average GPA, IU produces the best minds of the universities in the state.
johnpaulcoleman,
No...not what I am saying. The discussion is whether a few points at each grade level make a difference....I am assuming that you are trying to entertain yourself with your comment. You are hilarious...try getting a show in Vegas.
LHS Dad,
I understand what you are saying...but, your daughter and her roommate didn't take exactly the same courses, have exactly the same teachers, etc...I have no problem holding kids to a higher standard...Is it always about the money? As far as scholarships are concerned, most scholarships are not based on GPA alone...extra curriculars, parent salary, interviews, student written essays, etc...all contribute to award money.
If there is a difference in award to GPA, don't blame schools for holding kids to higher standards...Blame the university that your child attends....blame the scholarship committees for their failure to recognize the differences.
In the end, the reason to lower standards should NOT be so my kid can get more money. It is interesting how people can complain about schools not doing their jobs and then criticize them for holding kids to a higher but not unreasonable standard.
As far as kids dropping out of school, do you really believe that kids drop out because the grading scale is too high?
"a few points at each grade level make a difference" So if a few points at each grade point won't make a difference and the university won't recognize the different grading scales, then why not change some a few points to conform to the people giving out the money?
johnpaulcoleman,
Why don't we just give everyone an A and call it a day?
Why not work hard and earn something?
I didn't write that a few points won't make a difference....You even have me quoted as saying they do....I believe that it isn't wrong to hold students to a higher academic standard....
Sounds like your argument would be something like.. "Hey, why should I work harder when they will pay me the same amount for not working harder....?"
"I don't believe that a tougher scale denies kids opportunity. Kids deny themselves opportunities. Educational research shows that kids will reach whatever level that they want or need to. In other words, if they want a B, they will work to that level regardless of the number."
This is a quote from you, i take it to mean the scale can be changed without effecting the level the kids reach.
You then said "The discussion is whether a few points at each grade level make a difference" You seem to imply again that the scale can be changed without effecting the kids again.
I will repeat my question: So if a few points at each grade point won't make a difference and the university won't recognize the different grading scales, then why not change some a few points to conform to the people giving out the money?
I am not in any way suggesting the crazy points you made: give everyone an A. I want them all to work hard and excel. I believe they can do this with a grading scale recognized by the universities. So can you answer my question?
The kids should be taught at a higher level.... teachers held accountable.... and all be better off. What we have at Linton is a higher level, sub-par teaching and kids being punished for it. My kid being held to a higher standard I am okay with. But a "B' at that standard where it is an "A" elsewhere is not okay. Give them the higher standard and grade them equally. Having the best of both is too much to ask i guess. Classes are created at Linton with a kid or two in them to appease ones GPA also to protect it. Don't be fooled.
Up until 2 or 3 years ago, WRV had the toughest one in the county. Enough parents whined until they eventually had no choice but change it. Great move. Now the kids do not have to work near as hard, they aren't challenged, and they are not taught that they need to do their best. It's not too hard to get an A in the class when a 90% is still an A. I am anxious to see how prepared for college these kids will be that have been the product of this new scale all 4 years of high school.
Look at how many Linton kids have downgraded their college choice after the first year of college... They are not prepared. Look at the grade school populations well over 115-120 per class and we graduate in the 80's. Tell me this works? In the end the parent should push the kid to a 95 percent plus.... It is the parents responsibility to set the standard for their child. The ole saying goes "just because my car is waxed and looks pretty doesn't make it any faster than yours"! It is about the way the GPA is structured. For kids the GPA should be structured off of a traditional grading scale to make it a level playing field for school funding. That is what needs fixed. Maybe if we use the Linton grading scale then the GPA points earned should be higher. Fo example an A- may be worth .75 points when at Linton it should be worth .825??? After all they are earned at a higher level of expectation.
To be honest the only point of high school is to get into college. once you're in college, high school no longer matters. if you get halfway decent grades and a decent SAT or ACT score, you're fine and it's done.