LIZTON — Grading scales have been at the forefront of parents’ and students’ minds for the past several months. A handful of Hendricks County school corporations are discussing whether to change their schedules to match those of many other Indiana school corporations.
At the North West Hendricks School Board meeting Tuesday evening, the board held a first reading on a proposed change.
The board is looking at changing the grading scale from the current scale, where a 95 is an A- and a 70 is a D-, to the 10-point scale used at Avon, Brownsburg and Plainfield schools, where a 90 is an A- and a 60 is a D-.
“Our reason for adopting a new scale is based on college and scholarships,” board member Kathy Waite said.
One of the complaints is that the tougher grading scale puts Tri-West students at a disadvantage when applying to colleges or for scholarships. The argument is that Tri-West students have a lesser chance to win merit-based scholarships and lose their competitive edge when applying to college, as most colleges and universities don’t take into account the fact that the grading scale is tougher at Tri-West.
Administrators said the tough grading scale was important for students to be held up to a high standard, as colleges and universities would give tough work and expect high standards. In an interview in December, Principal Jim Diagostino said that the data showed that their students were doing well with the high expectations.
However, the school board requested that they take a look at going to a 10-point grading scale.
One of the complaints that the board had about the proposed changes on first reading was that the scale would also be changed to the 10-point scale at the elementary school level.
“There’s no need for that at the elementary school level,” Waite said.
Board President Connie Bowman said, “Our main focus, this issue does not live within the building itself. This doesn’t pose a problem at the elementary level. We are pleased with the standards we set. Getting scholarships and applying to college, those problems aren’t affected at the grade school level.”
Superintendent Dr. Leo Philbin didn’t agree with keeping the tougher grading scale at the elementary level. His issue was that if school got easier as students advanced, it could set them up for failure later in life.
“Don’t play games with kids psychologically,” he told the board. “You’re going to create harm.”
Judy Pingle, vice president of the school board, said adjusting to a new grading scale is one of the changes that students would be able to handle when moving from the elementary level.
“I believe the grading scale at the elementary level should stay the same,” she said. “I see no problem having a grading scale between the two — elementary and middle school. Things change, including the grading scale. It can just be one of the changes kids have to deal with.”
Three elementary school principals attended the meeting and were asked for input. All three agreed with keeping the standards the same at the elementary level.
North Salem Elementary Principal Brenda Coley said, “We’re looking at benchmarks to know that (skills) are mastered. If a child in first grade is getting a C in reading, that is not acceptable.”
Pittsboro Primary School Principal Erica Roehling added, “If we lowered to a 70 percent (which is average in middle school and high school), that in first grade is not a candidate to go to second grade. It’s not just about retention, it’s a little bit different (at the elementary level).”
A second reading of the proposed change will be held at the board’s next meeting at 6:30 p.m. April 13 in the administration center at 104 N. Church St., Lizton.
charlee.beasor@flyergroup.com
Local News
TW looks at changing grading scale
- Local News
-
-
Facebook page nets BPD a catch
Early returns on the Brownsburg Crime Tips Facebook page are positive as one of the suspects featured has already been identified.
-
Police investigate night time murder
Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department officers responded to a report of a person shot at the 3100 block of N. Guilford Ave. just before 10 p.m. Wednesday.
-
Women of Influence conference to target cancer
One of life’s most ruthless opponents will be the focus of the third annual Women of Influence conference set for 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. March 1 at Five Star Catering at Primo West in Plainfield.
-
SWAT team ends potential hostage situation
The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department SWAT team took Zachary Pipes, 18, Indianapolis, into custody Wednesday morning, putting a non-violent cap on a contentious situation.
-
Pence makes first official campaign stop in Plainfield
Mike Pence filed paperwork on Monday to officially run for governor of Indiana. Then the Republican made his first campaign stop here, at The Coachman restaurant.
-
Steuerwald leads effort to bolster human trafficking laws
Rep. Greg Steuerwald (R-Avon) co-sponsored a bill strengthening Indiana's anti-human trafficking laws that Gov. Mitch Daniels signed just in time for the Super Bowl.
-
First Lady kicks off state employee food drive
First Lady Cheri Daniels recently announced the start of the annual Hoosiers Helping Hoosiers state employee food drive. During the month of February, 60 agencies and 261 divisions throughout Indiana state government will coordinate efforts to collect non-perishable items for local food banks and pantries.
-
Shoe recycling event going on this week
The Hendricks County Solid Waste Management District says old shoes that are discarded can spend more than 200 years in a landfill before decomposing, and shoes are in great demand in third world countries.
-
Hanging with Madonna
With hundreds of millions of people throughout the world watching Super Bowl XLVI, Avon made a nice splash.
-
Pizzeria opens in North Salem
As a Tri-West High School graduate, Bob Miller knows western Hendricks County well. It's this community he's most fond of.
- More Local News Headlines
-
Denver's Largest-Ever Drug Bust Nets Dozens
Marines: No Punishment for Nazi-like Flag
Vets Look to Translate Military Skills Into Jobs
Expert: Removing LA School's Staff 'Appropriate'
Raw Video: School Bus Burst Into Flames
LA School Reopens Amid Sex Abuse Scandal
$25B Settlement Reached Over Foreclosure Abuses
Pentagon: Allow Women Closer to Front Lines
Obama Gives Education Waivers to 10 States
Giffords Aide to Run for Her Seat
LA School in Sex Abuse Scandal Reopens
Winter Slamming North Asia, Parts of Europe
Syrian Forces Renew Bombardment of Homs
States, Banks Reach Foreclosure-abuse Settlement
Raw Video: Italy's Mount Etna Bursts Into Life
Greeks March; Angry Despite Debt Deal
Raw Video: U.S. Pullout Celebration
Raw Video: Annual Empire State Building Run-Up
Man Killed in Courthouse Shootout
Air Force Airlines: Leaders Get Polished Service
