GradingPort Huron Schools - Grading Advisory Panel

the “WHY”The K-12 academic journey has changed significantly over the last 20 years and our

grading policy has not kept up.With new state requirements (MMC), a la carte options (AP & 21f), in-district inconsistencies,

and the transition to a college-going culture, Port Huron Schools needs to adapt.

Grading Advisory Panel - formed● Amy Sheafer● Brian Jamison● Cathy Murray● Christine Santer● Deb Barr● Dena French● Erin Eastman● Heidi Bartle● Jill Hartson● Kim Cook● Kristen Ainsworth● MaKenzie Jurzysta

● Mike Palmer● Trish Ford● Rachelle Wynkoop● Tracey Hopp● Theo Kerhoulas

Thank you for your hard work

and dedication to our district.

“WHY” now?● Increased expectations of rigor ● Student frustrations with inequities● Pressures from outside entities (online, dual

enrollment, middle college)● Success in other districts

the WORK● A consistent district grading scale was created

for grades 3 - 12 (standards based K-5)

● Descriptions of what each grade represents were written

● Advanced Placement Merit Points established● Transition timelines/plans set

Port Huron Grading Scale

Scale

Merit Points

Explanations

Expected Outcomes● Equity across all classes and buildings● Students/parents understanding what

each grade represents● Encouraging students to challenge

themselves● Fostering a culture where it’s acceptable

to get an A- in a rigorous class

RecommendationThe team recommends this district scale and for implementation to occur in two phases. 1st - The scale will be implemented for all classes beginning in the 2015/16 school year. 2nd - Merit points beginning with the class of 2019, since they will affect graduation honors with information given to families prior to starting high school.

HonorsFor the class of 2019 and all those after the graduation, honors will use the “laude” system: A three-tiered honor system with “cum laude,” “magna cum laude,” and “summa cum laude” designations is established for recognizing outstanding academic performance during high school.

Grade point average is computed by adding merit points (see above) and dividing by the number of credits attempted. College Board (AP) courses are given one additional merit point. Additional summa cum laude

requirements include: 1 AP Class from each of the four disciplines, and 75th national percentile on the SAT.

Cum laude Magna cum laude Summa cum laude

3.50 - 3.79weighted GPA

GPA 3.80 - 4.14 weighted GPA

GPA 4.15 and above weighted GPA

ValedictorianValedictorian and Salutatorian: The graduating students deemed first and second in the class

academically will be chosen using this cumulative weighted GPA through the first semester of their senior

year.

THANK YOUI again thank the committee

for their dedication to our district.The work will continue next year, focused on guiding principles of what a grade is and how we utilize them.