Some classes only have flat letter grades while others have pluses or minuses. Some classes round up, while others directly change letter grades according to class performance. Even teachers who teach the same subject will often have different policies for their class. The lack of grade standardization at MHS ultimately creates an environment where it’s easier for a student to earn a better grade in one teacher’s class compared to their peers in another class, which, in some cases, can have larger consequences than it should.
MHS should implement a standard letter grade policy among the large variety of classes that it offers. This policy would either implement the plus or minus grading scale across all subjects or remove it entirely. By doing so, it will allow colleges or other institutions to have a more accurate view of a student’s academic performance. This ensures that students will be represented on the same scale as the rest of their peers.
Issues with the grading system extend beyond just the symbols of letter grades to how teachers adjust student grades. Some teachers have rounding policies and some Advanced Placement (AP) classes allow grade changes based on AP test performances. However, as these rules are implemented inconsistently, some students may achieve higher grades in the same level classes compared to peers who have different teachers, which can create an imbalanced academic climate.
To fix such issues, clear rules regarding grade adjustments should be outlined and standardized for all teachers who teach a particular course. This will provide students with a more formulaic and just grading system, reducing potential cries of injustice.
Ultimately, grade standardization at MHS will not only create a more balanced field for students, but also guarantee better credibility for the school’s academic system. By enforcing a more equalized letter grading scale and grade adjustment process, MHS can not only ensure institutions evaluate graduates on a more even scale, but also allow us to better understand our own students by evening the playing field. It is clear that the benefits of a standardized grading system far outweigh not having one, which makes it all the more important that MHS integrates it as soon as possible.