Occasionally, I’ve been asked by parents and students alike about our current grading system. My response will usually highlight a few key areas – including the emotional and personal aspect of this complex topic.

For as long as I can remember – or for at least the twenty-five years since I left the hallowed hallways of Northwestern as a former student – the existing numeric/letter grading system has been utilized. Unquestionably a lot of things have changed since that time, so today’s environment may be a very appropriate time to review this topic.

Recently, I’ve noticed a growing grassroots movement in our community who are expressing interest and advocacy for this issue. Nearly 300 students have mobilized their unity through a Facebook group and an online iPetition is being circulated by concerned parents.

The addition of the District’s parent portal has also helped to increase awareness and involvement in academic achievement and progress – a very positive step for education that is enhanced by the utilization of technology.

There are two main components to our grading system –  the rubric used to determine an individual grade by subject/content area and the numeric scale used to determine the subsequent letter grade and weighted equivalent.

The majority of public discourse on this issue appears to be focused on our numeric value system as it translates to the equivalent letter grade – especially when compared to other school districts in Lehigh County who may utilize a completely different system. Our adjacent neighbor, Parkland School District, is often used as a comparison for students competing for college and university acceptances in which grades are used as a primary consideration in evaluations.

As a fellow parent, I certainly understand and appreciate this perspective. As a School Board member, I would be extremely supportive for a collaborative group of stakeholders to review this topic further. I believe it’s also important to acknowledge this topic deserves the proper analysis and due-diligence before a recommendation should be instituted.

When a family member demonstrated her advocacy to this topic a few months ago, a former school administrator suggested Robert J. Marzano’s “Transforming Classroom Grading” as a great resource for her to learn more.  Nonethless, “Dad” found this book an extremely great source of information and perspective as well.

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