District Five moves to 10-point grading scale
June 24, 2016
In April, the State Board of Education voted unanimously to move South Carolina high schools to a 10-point grading scale starting in August. South Carolina schools currently use a 7-point scale. State schools Superintendent Molly Spearman said the change allows South Carolina students to fairly compete for college entry and scholarships — both academic and athletic — while benefiting military families and other students transferring into South Carolina schools. Since that time, District Five has been working to determine the impact of this decision and decide whether to 10 point grading scale should also be used for middle and elementary schools.
The District Five Board of Trustees voted on June 20th to affirm the State Board of Education’s directive to change to a 10 point grading scale. Chief Instruction Officer, Dr. Christina Melton said, “This decision has no impact on instruction in our classrooms. We will continue to have a laser focus on providing the very best instruction possible. However, teachers will need to recalibrate how they assign grades. You can be sure that an “A” will still be an “A.” Our hope is that this change will provide District Five students greater opportunities beyond high school.”
After careful consideration, District Five leaders decided to apply the 10-point grading scale to middle and elementary schools as appropriate. Since some middle school students take high school level, Carnegie credit courses, it would cause confusion to be on two different grading scales. Two different scales might also cause confusion for parents who have children in multiple grades. Most colleges also use the 10-point scale, so supporters say this will make the transition easier from high school to college. And since most other states also use it, it will make things easier for children who move from state-to-state.
The change will not be retroactive, so the new scale will go into use this August and apply going forward. “It may take a little time for the adjustment.” Said Melton. “But, I am confident that our teachers will make the transition quickly and District Five students will continue to excel.
