RubberBuzz || Akron Unleashed: 10

3.29.2005

10 - 3 = 7 Point Scale

Consistency in Akron Public Schools? Why would anyone want that?

It may soon become tougher to get an "A" in the Akron Public Schools.

Students would need to score 93 to 100 percent to get this top grade under a proposed uniform grading system being considered by the board of education.

In some Akron schools, 90 to 100 percent now represents an "A," with the lower grades following in 10-percentage-point increments. Other buildings are already on the tougher scale, with 7-percentage-point steps from one letter grade to the next.

Now comes a new section I like to call: You're Wrong, I'm Right!

First up, Linda Kersker:

Board member Linda Kersker said she is afraid the tougher scale would put Akron students at a "competitive disadvantage.""

Linda, you're right if by "competitive disadvantage" you mean that students from APS would have learned to work harder and not strive for mediocrity.

Next, Rebecca DiDonato Heimbaugh:

Rebecca DiDonato Heimbaugh, another board member, said she is concerned about how certain students would do under the proposed scale. She noted, for example, that the board previously adopted a minimum grade-point-average for students to participate in athletics.

"I do not want to discourage students," she said.

Oh, Rebecca, Rebecca, Rebecca. School is for learning, not basketball. Suck it up and deal.

Finally, Fred Schuett:

Fred Schuett, Akron's director of secondary education, said colleges look at districts' grading scales when evaluating student applications. He said students currently earning a "C" on the 10-point scale -- a 70 to 79 -- would likely be unable to pass the new Ohio Graduation Test required for graduation.

"How do you explain that a student who can get through the APS can't get through the proficiency test?" he asked.

Umm... hmm. Actually, he's right. If an average Akron student can't pass the state test, maybe it is time to change what being an average Akron student means.

Beacon Journal :: Akron schools to settle the score

(joe :: 10 - 3 = 7 Point Scale)

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