School officials debate best way to pick valedictorian
|
WCHS officials are currently considering two systems, the 4-point GPA system, with an A representing 4 points, a B, 3 points, and so on, or a numeric system that would utilize a student’s actual numerical grade, such as a 92. The numerical system would likely result in a more precise student ranking.
At a recent school board meeting, where the ranking system was discussed, 12th-grade counselor Keri McGiboney pointed out that one sample computer calculation using the 4-point system resulted in over 20 valedictorians, whereas the numeric system resulted in one.
Director of Schools Dr. Jerry Hale made it clear that whatever ranking system is chosen, the effect would be local.
“It would only be for ranking the class,” Hale said. “And that would be totally a local situation. It would not be anything that would be used for state purposes.”
Though Hale agreed the numeric scale might result in more precise rankings, he did have some qualms about the system, especially where advance placement courses are concerned. Because of the difficulty of AP courses, students are given 5 extra grade points for taking them. But even with the extra points, they might make higher numeric grades with easier, non-AP courses.
“The 5 points is built in to actually reward people for taking higher courses,” Hale said. “But let’s say you took the AP classes and you had a 90 average, and you got the 5 points and that made you a 95, that would get you an A which is 4 points. But if you did it numerically, then you’d have a 95, whereas somebody might take a less strenuous class and might have a 98 average.
“So both of them would be A’s and both of them would be equal as far as the rank in class based on that. But if you did it numerically, then the student who took a less strenuous class would actually have a higher average than the other student,” Hale said.
Hale pointed this out to WCHS representatives at the board meeting.
“My point to them is you’re not necessarily rewarding your students for taking higher classes,” Hale said. “By changing to a numeric scale, you may be doing the reverse.”
Still, Hale said he wasn’t making a recommendation for either system, just the need for further study.
Ultimately, WCHS principal James Bennett decided to take the issue back to the faculty and return with a final recommendation later this month. Though the school board will make the final decision, it hasn’t been determined when a new system would take effect, with next year’s seniors, or with freshmen which would be the class of 2009.
Making the grade
The new state-mandated grade scale at WCHS is:
A 93-100
B 85-92
C 75-84
D 70-74
F below 70