Avon School Board voted on adopting a new grading scale, which went into affect August 1st, 2009. which mimics the below grading scale. However, they did not adopt the additional point being added for the Honors classes. We would like to thank the current school board members for acting on this issue so promptly.
We are a group of Avon, Ohio parents and students who are advocating for a fair grading scale. As many of you are aware Avon's current grading scale is:
A 93-100 4 points
B 85- 92 3 points
C 74- 84 2 points
D 65- 73 1 point
F 0 – 64 0 points
*with AP courses weighing an additional 1 point.
We are advocating for a 10 point scale with pluses/ minuses and an extra point given for Honors and AP courses. The new grading scale, if implemented would look like our neighboring communities of Westlake, Avon Lake, Bay Village, and North Ridgeville which is:
| A+ | 97 - 100 | 4.33 |
| A | 93 - 96 | 4.00 |
| A- | 90 - 92 | 3.67 |
| B+ | 87 - 89 | 3.33 |
| B | 83 - 86 | 3.00 |
| B- | 80 - 82 | 2.67 |
| C+ | 77 - 79 | 2.33 |
| C | 73 - 76 | 2.00 |
| C- | 70 - 72 | 1.67 |
| D+ | 67 - 69 | 1.33 |
| D | 63 - 66 | 1.00 |
| D- | 60 - 62 | 0.67 |
| F | 0 - 59 | 0.00 |
Keep in mind our high standards are due to our quality teachers, our strong curriculum, and motivated students- not the grading scale. The current scale results in Avon students having a lower GPA than the students on a 10 point scale in our neighboring communities. Our kids are playing catch up to the surrounding school districts when it comes to grades.
According to the National Association for College Admissions the actual high school grade is the most important factor in college admissions. College admission officers are generally not concerned with the grading scale of the school one attended; only with the actual grade itself ( A, B, C, or D).
Many Avon families know the current grading policies are costing their families money and lost opportunity. By implementing the 10 point scale it will bring our school district and students onto the same level with nearby, competitive school districts and level the playing field for them during the scholarship and college application process. These changes will put Avon in line with the US Department of Educations recommended grading procedures.
My question would be for you to ask yourself: what is the harm to the students if we implement the 10 point grading scale? What evidence supports the current grading policy helping the students?